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Protection Programs for Your Household

Rhode Island Energy

Stay connected during challenging times

If illness, financial hardship, or another qualifying circumstance is making it difficult to manage your energy service, protection programs may help you maintain service and provide additional safeguards based on your household's needs.


Shut off protections handout (pdf), English
Shut off protections handout (pdf), Spanish
Shut off protections handout (pdf), Portuguese

Who can receive protection?

You may qualify for protection programs if you or someone in your household:

  • Is age 62 or older and lives only with other adults age 62 or older
  • Has a disability or impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities 
  • Is experiencing a serious medical condition 
  • Relies on life-sustaining medical equipment 
  • Meets Financial Hardship Protection income requirements 
  • Has a child under age 2 and qualifies for Financial Hardship Protection

Available protection programs

Rhode Island Energy
  • Disability Protection

    A long-term physical or mental impairment affects you or someone in your household.

  • Elderly Protection

    Additional safeguards for households with adults age 62 or older.

  • Financial Hardship Protection

    More payment flexibility for households experiencing financial hardship.

  • Infant Protection

    Support for eligible households with a child under age 2.

  • Life-Sustaining Equipment Protection

    For households that depend on medical equipment for essential healthcare needs.

  • Serious Illness Protection

    Temporary protections for those with a serious short-term medical condition.