The winter utility shut-off moratorium is in effect through April 15, 2026.
Last-reviewed: March 9, 2026
Electric, gas, and oil
- The annual winter utility shut-off moratorium is in effect. Disconnections are not permitted for customers (or their household members) if they are unemployed, elderly or disabled, receive LIHEAP, are seriously ill, or have an infant under the age of 2 and have a financial hardship. Contact Rhode Island Energy or a local Community Action Program to learn more about protections.
- LIHEAP, the Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program, opened for applications on October 1, 2025. Funding is limited and grants are expected to be smaller. Energy customers are encouraged to apply early and the last day to apply is April 15, 2026. Additional information here.
- For advocacy assistance or more information, visit the George Wiley Center. The George Wiley Center hosts weekly “know your utility rights” meetings every Wednesday at 6:30pm. They also have a utility rights guide.
- EnergySupportRI lists RI’s utility assistance programs.
- While oil is not a regulated utility, it is eligible for many heat assistance programs.
- RI has a Heat Pump Incentive Program geared at reducing RI’s reliance on fossil fuels for heating.
Water and sewer
- There are multiple water suppliers and wastewater treatment operators in Rhode Island.
- Many water and (one wastewater) providers are regulated by the PUC.
Telephone and internet
- Lifeline is a federal program that can lower the monthly cost of phone or internet service for qualifying households.
- Assurance Wireless Lifeline offers free government phones and free minutes, data, and text to eligible individuals.
- The National Digital Inclusion Alliance has a nationwide resource list of low-cost internet plans.
- EveryoneOn has a tool to search for low-cost internet service and computers in areas near you.
Unlocking Access® Resources for Care Teams
There are many ways care teams can support people with utility and internet-related needs. For more specific legal information and strategies, care team members who have access to Legal Key’s Unlocking Access® Hub should log in.
If you are a Legal Key partner who does not have their login information, or you’d like to learn more about how to gain access to the Unlocking Access® Hub, get in touch with us!
Key Resources
Advocacy Corner
Individual Advocacy
Care team members regularly help people apply for protections from utility termination and apply for help paying utility bills.
Policy Advocacy
Policy advocacy includes campaigning for better laws protecting access to utilities for Rhode Islanders. The George Wiley Center is the organization to connect with to learn more about Rhode Island utility policy advocacy.