PROVIDENCE, RI, May 5, 2017 – With the Monday, May 1st end to the moratorium on energy shut-offs for all customers not on protected status, the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund’s sponsoring energy companies and its administrator, United Way of Rhode Island, continue to encourage those in need of energy assistance to visit a local Community Action Program (CAP) agency to determine if the Fund can be a source of relief. For those who are looking for assistance from the Fund but are unsure of the CAP agency in their area, please call the United Way 2-1-1 information line.
The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a safety net for households who are having difficulty paying their energy bills. The state’s local CAP agencies determine household eligibility for the Fund based on total household income not exceeding 300 percent of the federal poverty level. For example, a household of two is eligible for the Fund if its annual income does not exceed $48,060 while a household of four cannot exceed $72,900.
“With the moratorium on energy shut-offs lifted earlier this week, we’re at a time of the year when there is often a spike in the urgency of need for energy assistance,” said Anthony Maione, President and CEO, United Way of Rhode Island. “We encourage all those who are having trouble making ends meet to visit a local Community Action Program agency to see if your household qualifies for assistance from the Fund or contact our 24-hour call center, 2-1-1, for more information.”
In addition to the various giving programs of Fund sponsors – National Grid, Pascoag Utility District, Dominion Resources, RISEC LP, Petro Home Services and Ocean State Power – the Fund’s “Warm Thy Neighbor” campaign relies on the generosity of individuals, families and local corporations for support. Rhode Islanders most often donate to the Fund via the yellow donation envelopes that are enclosed with energy bills. Those interested in donating to the Fund can also text “WARM” to 91999 on their mobile phone, send a check payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” to Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund, c/o United Way of Rhode Island, 50 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02909-2459 or visit www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.
About United Way of Rhode Island
Because everyone needs help sometimes, United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) helps people. United Way invests in programs with clear results, including those that help children fall in love with learning, that help families meet their basic needs, and that offer training and education for jobs and careers. United Way also provides everyone with one number to call for help, 2-1-1. For more information, visit www.LIVEUNITEDri.org.
About Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund
Since its establishment in 1986, the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund has raised over $13.3 million and helped over 44,250 families in need of temporary energy assistance. For more information about the Good Neighbor Energy Fund contact the United Way 2-1-1in Rhode Island help line or visit www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.