Utility Bill Assistance

 

 

Information on the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund

Individuals and families across Rhode Island may be able to get assistance with their utility bills from this fund. It was created almost 30 years ago, and it will help people in a crisis who can’t qualify for any other assistance, whether from the federal government or sate options.

The program is administered locally throughout the state by the Salvation Army. It is a statewide program that was formed from partnerships between various electric and gas companies across the state of Rhode Island. It is funded from donations from power companies, local businesses, and customers.

Who can qualify for assistance from from Good Neighbor Energy Fund?

Financial assistance from the Good Neighbor Energy Fund is available to any family or individual in Rhode Island who, because of some type of short term crisis or temporary financial difficulty, cannot pay their utility bill, and who do not qualify for other aid. Potentially thousands of people each and every year can get assistance from this fund.

Each application will be reviewed on a case by case basis, as there are conditions and criteria that need to be met. The maximum cash grant that will be provided to a customer for their utility bill is $400, the total of which can be distributed to more than one utility if the customer has multiple accounts. The Energy Fund grant is given only one time per family per year and a recipient of the assistance in Rhode Island cannot receive assistance from both the Fund and LIHEAP programs. As the intent is to help people who have no other options or programs available to them.

Dial 401-831-1119. to learn more about the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund.