With start of winter and colder weather right around the corner, United Way of Rhode Island announces the opening of the 2021-2022 Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF). The Fund is now available to help local households experiencing financial difficulty and in need of assistance with their heating bill. Since its inception, the GNEF has provided help to more than 47,000 Rhode Island households. It is sponsored by Block Island Utility District, National Grid, Ocean State Power, Pascoag Utility District, Petro Home Services, and RI State Energy Center LP, and administered by United Way of Rhode Island.

Any household in need of energy assistance due to the continued impact of the pandemic or other financial struggles are encouraged to contact their local Community Action Program (CAP) agency to determine eligibility for the Fund. Rhode Islanders may call United Way’s 2-1-1 information and referral helpline for assistance finding their nearest CAP agency and with general questions about the Fund.

Eligibility for the GNEF 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 $79,500 while a household of six cannot exceed $106,740. Assistance grants to individual households are determined by fuel type and need, and will provide up to $650 per heating season.

“We are already experiencing larger call volumes to our 24-hour 2-1-1 call center and anticipate an even greater urgency of need in the coming months due to the end to both the moratorium on evictions and pandemic-related federal unemployment benefits,” said Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island. “Combine these factors with colder weather and the anticipated increase in home heating costs, and the opening of the Fund to eligible households is coming at a critical time for many of our neighbors. No Rhode Islander should ever hesitate to call 2-1-1 if they’re struggling with their heating bill or have other needs.”

In addition to its sponsoring energy companies, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund relies on the generosity of individuals, families, local businesses and community organizations for support. Through the Fund’s “Warm They Neighbor” campaign, Rhode Islanders can donate to the Fund using the yellow envelope enclosed with their energy bill. Donations can also be made by texting “WARM” to 91999 from their mobile phone, sending a check payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” to RI Good Neighbor Energy Fund, c/o United Way of Rhode Island, 50 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02909-2459 or visiting www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.