More heating aid money coming to Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s Program Receives $2.45 Million More in Federal Funding

WARWICK, RI – Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today applauded the announcement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is receiving an additional $300 million in federal funds. 

HHS previously awarded $3.05 billion in October 2014, for a year-to-date total of $3.35 billion.

Rhode Island’s program will receive an additional $2.45 million, bringing the FY15 total to more than $27 million.

“The winter cold has settled in and we have not yet seen the end of it, and for many Rhode Island families, the high cost of energy makes the season all the more bitter,” said Langevin, a strong supporter of the LIHEAP program. 

“Families should not have to forego heating their homes during the long winter when temperatures can dip dangerously low. This federal funding will be put to good use and will make a tremendous difference in the lives of Rhode Islanders who are struggling to make ends meet.”

“This is welcome news to many families and seniors in Rhode Island who are struggling to afford high energy costs,” said Cicilline, who, earlier this year, urged National Grid to ease the impact of its electric bill rate increase for low-income Rhode Islanders by implementing a Percentage of Income Payment Plan. 

“LIHEAP provides a vital lifeline for Rhode Islanders who need help heating their homes and it’s a vital program we must protect.”