PROVIDENCE – United Way of Rhode Island has pushed back the deadline to apply for utility bill assistance through the Good Neighbor Energy Fund by an additional month as increasing numbers of Rhode Islanders struggle with high energy costs.
The fund will now remain open through Thursday, July 30. It previously had been extended to the end of June.
Demand for help with utilities has soared in the Ocean State since the beginning of May. Calls to United Way of Rhode Island 211 for utility needs between May 1 and mid-June increased 363 percent compared to the same period last year. Over the past two months, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund has provided more than $110,000 in financial assistance to Rhode Islanders.
“Energy affordability is a significant challenge in our state, forcing many of our neighbors to make difficult choices between paying their utility bills and meeting other essential household needs,” said Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way. “Too many Rhode Islanders are working hard, making responsible decisions, and still struggling to stay afloat. The Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides critical relief when households need it most, helping families stay stable and avoid financial crisis. Extending the deadline further was an easy decision – if you need help, call 211.”
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a safety net for families who do not qualify for other federal and state programs such as LIHEAP. It provides one-time emergency utility assistance to income-eligible households facing shut-off notices or having trouble paying energy bills. Extending the deadline helps ensure families who have not yet applied, or who have recently experienced financial hardship, have the opportunity to access support before the program closes for the season.
Households in need of utility assistance are encouraged to apply as soon as possible before the July 30 deadline. Applications are processed by Community Action Program (CAP) agencies across the state. Rhode Islanders with general questions about the Good Neighbor Energy Fund or their eligibility, or who need help connecting with their local CAP agency, should call 211.
