PROVIDENCE, R.I. (April 20, 2026) – Rhode Island’s utility shutoff moratorium has ended, putting households at risk of losing services if they have back bills from heating their home during the winter months. For families struggling with rising and volatile energy costs, they may be eligible for assistance through the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF).
Recently, the GNEF expanded its eligibility guidelines to be able to help more Rhode Islanders feeling the financial strain of elevated energy costs. Through May 9, households may qualify for assistance with income up to 350% of the Federal Poverty Level, an increase over the traditional 300% threshold. This change is significant as the GNEF is a safety net for families who already do not qualify for other federal and state programs, such as LIHEAP.
“Just because winter is over doesn’t mean families aren’t still concerned about their heating bills,” said Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island. “Prolonged cold, coupled with high energy costs created the perfect storm for our neighbors whose household budgets were already stretched to the limit. Now, those same families may be at risk of losing their gas or electric service as Rhode Island’s utility shutoff moratorium has ended.”
Eligibility for the GNEF is based on household size and total household income. With the expanded guidelines in place through May 9, a household of two may be eligible to receive help with an annual income up to $75,740 (previously $64,920). A family of four may qualify with income up to $155,500 (previously $99,000). The amount of assistance to households is determined by fuel type, including electricity, natural gas, oil, propane, wood/wood byproducts, and kerosene, and can provide one-time help of up to $825 per season.
Rhode Island households in need of home heating assistance due to a financial struggle should call United Way’s 211 helpline if they have general questions, want to determine eligibility, or to connect with their local Community Action Program (CAP) agency.
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