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Financial Hardship Protection

Rhode Island Energy

Financial Hardship Protection Rhode Island Energy Protection and payment plan options for eligible households

If your household meets income eligibility requirements, you may qualify for protections that include access to an enhanced payment plan and additional safeguards designed to help you maintain electric and gas service.

This protection may be right for you if:

Your household meets income eligibility requirements and you need access to an enhanced payment plan.

What you'll need

The following:
  • A completed Financial Hardship Statement (pdf)
  • Proof of income or other financial documentation for all adult household members. Examples of this documentation may include:
    • Tax returns
    • Three months of pay stubs
    • SSDI award letters
    • SSI award letters
    • Unemployment benefit documentation
Income eligibility

Your combined household income must be at or below 75% of Rhode Island's median income.

Income guidelines (effective October 2026)

Number of household members Annual household income Monthly household income
1 person ≤ $54,263 ≤ $4,522
2 people ≤ $70,959 ≤ $5,913
3 people ≤ $87,655 ≤ $7,305
4 people ≤ $104,351 ≤ $8,696
5 people ≤ $121,046 ≤ $10,087
6 people ≤ $137,743 ≤ $11,479
7 people ≤ $140,874 ≤ $11,739
8 people ≤ $144,004 ≤ $12,000
9 people ≤ $147,135 ≤ $12,261
10 people ≤ $150,265 ≤ $12,522

Already enrolled in the Discount Rate?

If you're enrolled in the Discount Rate, you do not need to submit a Financial Hardship Statement or proof of income.

Protection period

Protection lasts for 12 months and requires annual recertification.

How to apply

You can apply for these protections online, by mail, or by fax.

Online

  1. Complete the Financial Hardship Statement (pdf)
  2. Visit our secure file transfer portal
  3. Select Upload and attach your completed documents
  4. Enter your email address in the From field
  5. Enter “AccountProtections” in the To field
  6. Enter your service address in the Subject field
  7. Include your full name and phone number in the Message field
  8. Select Drop Files Off to submit

Mail

Rhode Island Energy
PO Box 25215
Lehigh Valley, PA 18002-5215

Fax

401-955-6617

What to know before applying

Protection programs are not financial assistance programs and are available to residential customers only. Eligibility, documentation requirements, and protection periods vary by program. While these protections may provide additional safeguards, customers remain responsible for paying for the electric and gas service they use.

Need additional help?

If you have questions after submitting your documentation, or need assistance completing the process, please call us at 855-743-1101.