Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources

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Bulletin Board:

Lead Safe Weatherization Training for all WAP staff and contractors
Coming Up Soon
2007 National Community Action Foundation Energy Programs' Leveraging
Conference
November 12-15, 2007
St. Petersburg, Florida
Renaissance Vinoy Hote
Weatherization Staff and Contractors
National DOE Weatherization Conference
Orlando Florida
December10-12, 2007

LIHEAP: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Low Income Programs

Home
Affordability Plan
AMP: Appliance Management Program
Heating System Preplacement
Emergency Fuel Program
LIHEAP: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
WAP: Weatherization Assistance Program

Program Purpose

The FY’2008 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will mark the 27th year of LIHEAP Block Grant funding from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services. Federal funding for LIHEAP has ranged from a low of $8.9 million received in FY’1999 to a high of $23 million received in FY’2006. Last winter LIHEAP provided assistance to approximately 29,000 low-income RI families. LIHEAP appropriation for FY’2008 is still uncertain. At this time we estimate funding will be in the range of $12-14 million assisting approximately 20,000 families.

RI’s LIHEAP is designed to provide assistance and relief to those households most vulnerable to the high cost of home heating in relation to income. The RI Office of Energy Resources (RIOER), formerly the Office Of Energy Resources, administers RI’s LIHEAP. Seven (7) local Community Action Programs (CAPs) will provide the local service delivery of LIHEAP assistance.

LIHEAP is an “assistance” program and not intended to pay the entire winter or annual heating costs for eligible households. The number of households served and the amount of primary and crisis assistance provided is contingent upon the availability of funds and therefore not guaranteed.

Program Dates

Applications are mailed to previous year LIHEAP recipients in September. Starting in October, households applying for the first time should contact their local LIHEAP agency to set up an appointment. The LIHEAP agency will let you know if you are eligible and what documentation and information you need to provide in order to complete a LIHEAP application. The LIHEAP “Primary Grant” is open from October through March depending on the availability of the Federal funds. LIHEAP offers a year round “Crisis Program” which is also dependent on the availability of Federal Funds.

Program Eligibility

Households shall be determined eligible for assistance according to the income guidelines established by the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, and the household is vulnerable to increases in home energy costs. The FY’2007 LIHEAP guidelines are set at 60% of the Rhode Island median income.