Projo Biz Blog

The state has begun releasing some of the federal heating assistance money to low-income households who heat with oil, Governor Carcieri's office announced today.

The administration's Office of Energy Resources began sending out letters to eligible heating oil customers and their dealers on Friday, letting them know that the aid was available to purchase heating oil, said Matteo P. Guglielmetti, who oversees the heating assistance program for the state.

The amount of the grants depend on a household's income level and can be as much as $575, he said.

The money comes from the federal government's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Rhode Island's share for this heating season is $38 million, the highest amount the state has ever received. Last year, Rhode Island received $19 million.

The grants are administered and distributed by the Office of Energy Resources and the local community action program agencies in several communities around the state.

The governor's office has been criticized by the George Wiley Center for not acting sooner to release the federal money for oil customers. Henry Shelton, a coordinator for the Pawtucket advocacy agency, said that many heating oil customers needed the assistance last week, when the weather was below freezing for several nights.

 Tags  Carcieri George Wiley Center heating assistance LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

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