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:
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.