YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR ENERGY ASSITANCE WHEN LIHEAP IS CLOSED
Off-Season Energy Support
Although LIHEAP heating assistance applications are seasonal, Providence residents may still be able to access other programs that support utility stability, home energy efficiency, and safe transitions into permanent housing.
PVD CAP can help residents understand available options and connect with the appropriate program based on their household needs, eligibility, and current circumstances.
Available Off-Season Support
Good Neighbor Energy Fund
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund, commonly known as GNEF, helps eligible Rhode Island households experiencing financial hardship pay a current energy expense.
The program is administered by United Way of Rhode Island, with PVD CAP serving as a local partner for Providence residents. GNEF generally operates from mid-October through June and may assist with:
- Electricity
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Wood
- Wood byproducts
Approved payments are made directly to the utility company or energy provider.
Households may qualify based on financial eligibility and documented hardship. LIHEAP applicants may also be eligible to receive Good Neighbor Energy Fund assistance.
Restart Energy Assistance Program (REAP)
The Restart Energy Assistance Program, also known as REAP, is a summer program designed to help people transitioning from homelessness into permanent housing.
REAP may help eligible residents pay part of an old utility balance so that utility services can be turned on in their new home.
The program works through community partners and referral organizations that assist people accessing housing and utility support.
Applications are submitted through participating Community Action Agencies, including PVD CAP.
Weatherization Programs
PVD CAP’s Weatherization programs help eligible households improve home energy efficiency, comfort, and safety through approved home improvements.
Services may include insulation, air sealing, heating system checks, appliance safety testing, and other energy-saving improvements. Residents must first be approved for LIHEAP before accessing Weatherization services.
Households that have already received LIHEAP approval may still be able to continue through the Weatherization process outside the regular LIHEAP application season.
Heat Pump Program
Eligible Providence households using electric resistance heating, such as electric baseboards, may qualify for a high-efficiency heat pump at no cost.
A heat pump, sometimes called a mini-split, provides both heating and cooling in one energy-efficient system. The program is supported by Rhode Island Energy and coordinated through PVD CAP’s Weatherization team.
To qualify, residents must be eligible for and already approved for LIHEAP. Additional household and property requirements apply.
Which Program May Be Right For Me?
I need help paying a current energy bill.
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund may be able to help eligible households experiencing financial hardship.
I was approved for LIHEAP and want to improve my home’s energy efficiency.
Weatherization may provide approved energy-efficiency and home safety improvements.
My home has inefficient heating and cooling.
You may qualify for the Heat Pump Program if you have already been approved for LIHEAP and currently heat with electric.
I am moving from homelessness into housing and have a utility balance.
REAP may help eligible residents resolve past utility balances so service can be turned on.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Contact PVD CAP to learn about current program availability, eligibility requirements, and next steps.