NEW: National Grid Offers Energy Assistance To Rhode Islanders

NEW: National Grid Offers Energy Assistance To Rhode Islanders

With winter in full swing, National Grid's Rhode Island customers may qualify for Federal Heating Assistance and discounted low-income rates. National Grid is currently accepting applications for the federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that provides income-eligible families assistance in paying their energy bills.

Which Rhode Islanders qualify

LIHEAP payments vary depending on household income, household composition, and heating fuel costs in relation to income. If a household receives public assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or food stamps, the household will most likely be eligible for LIHEAP benefits. If a household does not receive public assistance, it still may be eligible if the gross monthly household income is at or below income guidelines based on household size.

“National Grid always reaches out to customers who might be having difficulty paying their energy bills. The last step we would want to take is shutting off heat due to nonpayment. LIHEAP is one source of funding to help customers in difficulty cover their energy costs” said David Graves, spokesperson for National Grid.

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Act now

Since LIHEAP funding is limited, customers who feel they may qualify for the funds should contact LIHEAP immediately. The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources oversees low-income heating assistance. If you have any questions about the LIHEAP program, please visit the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources website at www.energy.ri.gov.

There are several other programs available to National Grid customers to help manage energy costs:

Low-income discount rate – Discount rates are available to many electricity and/or natural gas customers, based on service area and certain eligibility requirements. For more information about availability of low-income rates and to determine eligibility, contact National Grid or their local energy assistance agency, Community Action Agency or state department of social services.

Billing Options – National Grid has billing programs to help customers spread payments out more evenly across the year, which are particularly helpful to those on fixed incomes. Visit www.nationalgridus.com for more information on this and other payment programs.

This year National Grid and the National Grid Foundation donated $1.2 million to heating assistance funds in New York and New England. Since 2005, the company and the Foundation have made heating fund donations that exceed $8 million.