State Energy Assistance Programs

Financial Assistance to Help Pay for Home Energy Costs

Rhode Island households can apply for financial awards to help pay for heating bills. The funds go to the utility or deliverable fuel company (e.g., oil companies) to be credited to customers’ accounts.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP is a federal program that offers financial relief to households for their heating costs. The program is administered by the RI Department of Human Services in partnership with the Community Action Agencies throughout the state.  Applications are accepted at Community Action Agencies. To find the Community Action Agency serving your town or city, go to: Community Action Agencies Near Me | Find Your Local CAA (ricommunityaction.org)

To learn about the program and how you might be eligible, go to: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | RI Department of Human Services

The Good Neighbor Energy Fund

The Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides financial assistance to Rhode Island households who are unable to meet a current energy expense due to financial difficulty. To learn more, go to: Good Neighbor Energy Fund - United Way of Rhode Island (unitedwayri.org) 

Keep the Heat On

Keep the Heat On provides financial assistance to households that have either exhausted or are ineligible for all other state, federal or private heating assistance. To learn more, go to: Keep the Heat On - Providence, RI (heatri.com)  

Programs Aimed at Reducing Energy Usage

Free Home Energy Assessment Program 

At no cost,  an energy specialist will assess your current energy use, help you develop a plan to make your home more energy-efficient, and educate you on rebates and incentives. Free home energy assessments are available to all households, including homeowners and renters. For more information, go to: https://www.rienergy.com/ri-home/energy-saving-programs/home-energy-assessments

Pascoag Utility District: https://pud-ri.org/residential/home-energy-audits

Block Island Utility District: https://blockislandpowercompany.com/energy-audits-2/

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Households participating in LIHEAP may take advantage of the Weatherization Assistance Program, which offers customers whole house energy efficiency services. These services may include installing insulation and providing health and safety measures. For more information, go to: Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) | RI Department of Human Services

Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HSRRP)

Households participating in LIHEAP may take advantage of HSRRP. This program provides a one-time service to increase the heating system efficiency of owner-occupied residences.  For more information, go to: Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HSRRP) | RI Department of Human Services

Conservation Measures

There are many resources with good advice about saving energy in your house or apartment (one example: 25 Energy Efficient Tips That Lower Costs | Direct Energy)

Managing Energy Bills in the Winter

Help Making Payments

Through Rhode Island Energy it is possible to apply for discounts on your monthly energy bills, create a payment plan to handle unpaid back bills, or create a 12-month budget to help smooth out the high winter bills. For more information, go to: Help Paying Your Bill | Rhode Island Energy (rienergy.com)

Discounted Rates

Households may be eligible for discounted rates on their energy bill if they are receiving certain public benefits disbursed by DHS. To learn more, go to: https://www.rienergy.com/RI-Home/Bill-Help/Discount-Rates