Utility Assistance Program Created In Rhode Island

On November 19, Governor Donald Carcieri held a press conference to announce the creation and funding of a special utility restoration fund. The fund will provide assistance to Rhode Islanders whose gas or electricity have been disconnected and are eligible for LIHEAP, but who owe more in bills and fees for service restoration than LIHEAP can provide.

The Governor will use approximately $35,000 from his contingency fund to help an estimated 97 Rhode Island families pay enough of their arrears in order to have their utility service restored. Another 131 families are expected to receive sufficient federal heating subsidies to have their service restored automatically. As a result, 228 families will have their service restored.

The program was initiated through the efforts of the grassroots group ACORN, whose members have been working to win a utilities assistance program in the state for the last three years. The new utility restoration fund will help hundreds of families restore their heat for winter, and represents the first step in creating a long term affordable energy solution for low and moderate income Rhode Island residents, according to ACORN's Aimee Olin. For more information, contact Olin at riacorn@acorn.org or 410-780-0500.

Page Last Updated: December 7, 2005