Energy companies pitch in for ‘Good Neighbor Energy Fund’

FUNDED BY ENERGY COMPANIES, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund is administered by the United Way to help eligible Rhode Islanders pay their winter heating bills. / BLOOMBERG NEWS FILE PHOTO/ANDREW HARRER
FUNDED BY ENERGY COMPANIES, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund is administered by the United Way to help eligible Rhode Islanders pay their winter heating bills. / BLOOMBERG NEWS FILE PHOTO/ANDREW HARRER

PROVIDENCE – National Grid Rhode Island and other energy companies have pitched in again for the “Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund” to help Rhode Islanders having financial difficulties pay their heating bills this winter.

National Grid, Ocean State Power, Pascoag Utility District, Petro Home Services, and Rhode Island State Energy Center are sponsoring the fund, which is being administered by the United Way of Rhode Island.

“We have all felt the colder temperatures in the air the last couple of weeks, so I’m pleased to announce the fund is open to all eligible households,” said United Way of Rhode Island President and CEO Cortney Nicolato.

“We encourage anyone to dial 211, 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 [Community Action Program] agency to determine eligibility,” she said.

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In addition to the sponsoring energy companies, the Good Neighbor campaign relies on the generosity of individuals, families, local corporations, and community organizations. Since beginning in 1986, the fund has provided heating assistance to more than 45,500 homes, organizers said.

Grants to individual households are determined by fuel type and need and will not exceed $650 per heating season, organizers said. Eligibility is based on total household income not exceeding 300 percent of the federal poverty level. For example, a household of four people is eligible if its annual income does not exceed $75,300, while a household of six people cannot exceed $101,220.

Energy companies make initial contributions to the program each year, and fundraising efforts continue through the winter season. The program provides about $350,000 in assistance each year, said Sandi Connors, executive vice president of marketing and communications for United Way of Rhode Island.

Rhode Islanders most often donate to the fund via the yellow donation envelopes enclosed with energy bills through February. Those wanting to donate also can text “WARM” to 91999 on their mobile phones or send a check payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” to Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund, care of United Way of Rhode Island, 50 Valley St., Providence, RI, 02909-2459 or by visiting www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org

Scott Blake is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Blake@PBN.com.

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