PROVIDENCE – Gov. Donald L. Carcieri announced the release of Low Income Heat and Energy Assistance Program funds to local community-action programs late last month.
In total, Rhode Island will receive $38 million this season, an increase of $18 million from the amount awarded through the federal government last year. The money will help eligible households keep their heat on and also be used for weatherization improvements aimed at reducing energy burdens.
The R.I. Office of Energy Resources administers the LIHEAP program in partnership with the local agencies. Eligibility is based on 60 percent of the median income in the state – $46,913 for a family of four this year.
As of result of the higher cost of home-heating fuels, Carcieri has increased the average LIHEAP primary grant from $340 to $480. Due to extra efforts made by the Office of Energy Resources, LIHEAP funds have been released a month earlier than usual this year. •
