The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF) announced on Monday that it is now open for those Rhode Island households experiencing financial difficulty and in need of assistance with their energy bills. The Fund, which is sponsored by Dominion Energy, National Grid, Ocean State Power, Pascoag Utility District, Petro Home Services and RISEC LP and administered by United Way of Rhode Island, has provided energy assistance to 44,750 local households since its inception in 1986.
The United Way of Rhode Island encourages those households in need of energy assistance to visit their local Community Action Program (CAP) agency to determine household eligibility for the Fund which is based on total household income not exceeding 300 percent of the federal poverty level. For example, a household of four is eligible for the Fund if its annual income does not exceed $73,800 while a household of six cannot exceed $98,880. Grants to individual households are determined by fuel type and need and will not exceed $650 per heating season.
“With colder temperatures already in the air we want those in financial difficulty to know that the Fund is a great community resource and we’re here to help,” said Anthony Maione, President and CEO, United Way of Rhode Island, in a news release. “We encourage anyone to dial 2-1-1, United Way’s 24-hour call center, if they are looking for general information about the Good Neighbor Energy Fund or need help identifying their local CAP agency to determine eligibility.”
In addition to the sponsoring energy companies, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund campaign relies on the generosity of individuals, families, local corporations and community organizations for support. Rhode Islanders most often donate to the Fund via the yellow donation envelopes that are enclosed with energy bills through the end of February. 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.