Utilities & Internet

Headline:

LIHEAP applications opened on October 1; now is the time to help people apply at their local CAP agency.

Last-reviewed: 12pm, Apr. 1, 2024

Key Resources:

• Energy Support RI
• RI Public Utilities Commission and Division of Carriers (PUC)
• George Wiley Center

Electric & Gas

The Basics

• EnergySupportRI is a new website that lists RI’s utility assistance programs.
• Several cities are beginning a new community electric purchasing program. Information for Providence and Newport here. Here is information on municipal aggregation from the Public Utilities Commission.
• The Low-Income Water Assistance Program is open and offers grants up to $500 to help with water or sewer bills.
• RI has a new Heat Pump Incentive Program geared at reducing RI’s reliance on fossil fuels for heating. 

The Breakdown

• Utility shut-off protections are available. Contact Rhode Island Energy or a local Community Action Program to learn more about protections.
• For advocacy assistance or more information, visit the George Wiley Center. The George Wiley Center hosts weekly “know your utility rights” meetings on Wednesday at 6:30pm. More information here.

Telephone and Internet

The Basics

• The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers a discount for broadband services for eligible customers.
• The Lifeline Support is a federal program that can lower the monthly cost of phone or internet service.

The Breakdown

• Cell phone carriers shut down 3G networks as part of a transition to 4G LTE and 5G networks. For additional information about the timeline and how to upgrade affected devices, visit the FCC website.
• The ACP offers a $30/monthly discount for eligible households. The ACP broadens income and participation eligibility. More information here.
• Lifeline offers support to eligible phone or Internet consumers up to $9.25/month. Read more here.
• The FCC has taken action to raise awareness about the Nationwide Lifeline Program for affordable telephone or internet service, a benefit for which many consumers may be newly eligible during the pandemic.

Resources:

• The National Digital Inclusion Alliance also has this nationwide resource list for free and low-cost internet plans.
• EveryoneOn has a tool to search for low-cost internet service and computers in areas near you.
• The FCC has an affordable connectivity program. MaxSip is one of their programs.

The Bottom Line

• Care teams can help individuals and families maintain their phone and utilities by keeping them updated about assistance programs.