COVID-19 Health & Energy Resources

COVID-19 has changed the landscape in which we all live and work. As Rhode Island continues with its phased reopening, we have assembled a series of resources to help you navigate these challenging times.

The State of Rhode Island has launched an official COVID-19 website related to reopening the economy: reopeningri. This should be your first resource for learning about the State’s reopening. If you see conflicting information from any of the resources we have listed below, reopeningri should be considered the final authority.

We have divided these resources into three categories:

Residents – these resources are for all residents of Rhode Island, regardless of occupation.
Businesses – these resources are intended for all Rhode Island business owners.
Energy Vendors – these resources are intended for any Rhode Island business which operates in the realm of energy – including, but not limited to, energy efficiency, solar installers, home/business weatherization services, HVAC installers, consultants, engineers, etc.

Resources for Everyone

To learn more about COVID-19 from the RI Department of Health
Get the Crush COVID App for Rhode Island-specific information on your phone:

Resources for Residents

Making your payments

Are you having difficulties paying your energy bills or other expenses? The resources below can help:

National Grid: COVID-19 and Your Bill - Help making payments and more ways to pay
Rhode Island Commerce: COVID-19 support relief for tenants and employees
Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training – Apply for benefits if you have been laid off or if you are unable to work
Rhode Island Department of Human Services – Links to energy assistance programs
United Way Good Neighbor Energy Fund
Keep the Heat On
Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers Consumer Section – Assistance with billing and payment plan issues

Lowering your energy bills

Are you staying home? These resources can help you save money, lower your energy usage, and make your home more comfortable:

National Grid: Services and Rebates - save money when you install high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment
Pascoag Utility District: Home Energy Audits - Receive a free home energy audits and find out ways to save money and take advantage of rebates
Block Island Utility District - Block Island residents should direct rebate questions to the Block Island Power Company

National Grid Home Energy Saving Tips: Making small changes in your daily activities can lower energy bills and enhance comfort. With these energy-saving tips, you can start making changes now:

Tips for how to stay safe

Proper ventilation can reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Air sealing and filtration are also key aspects of ensuring healthy indoor air quality. Consult an HVAC or building performance expert to ensure your HVAC system is optimized and working effectively and efficiently. Assistance and incentives may be available for energy-efficient HVAC systems and system optimization for homes and businesses.

Contact your local utility or community action agency for more information:

General financial & emergency assistance

Community Action Partnerships (CAPs) are organizations that can offer you support when you are struggling financially. Here are some pages you may find helpful for finding food, or getting emergency assistance with your rent, energy bills, and more. You may also call 2-1-1 for more information:

Resources for Businesses

Protect yourself and your customers

Learn about safety guidelines for re-opening here:
reopeningri and commerceri

Do you need access to personal protection equipment (PPE)? These resources can help:

Proper ventilation can reduce the risk of COVID transmission. Air sealing and filtration are also key aspects of ensuring healthy indoor air quality. Consult an HVAC or building performance expert to ensure your HVAC system is optimized and working effectively and efficiently. Assistance and incentives may be available for energy-efficient HVAC systems and system optimization for homes and businesses. Contact your electric distribution utility for more information:

Making your payments

Do you have difficulties paying your energy bills? These resources can help:

National Grid Payment Assistance
Ways to Save Energy & Reduce Your Bills
Pascoag Payment Assistance webpage
Visit Rhode Island Commerce's website for a comprehensive list of COVID-19 support including non-SBA funding for small businesses, technical help, supplies and more:

Resources for Energy Vendors

Protect yourself and your customers:

Learn about safety guidelines for re-opening - Most energy businesses, such as energy efficiency contractors and solar installers, should follow the General Workplace Guidelines for safe re-opening: reopeningri and commerceri
Do you need access to personal protective equipment (PPE)? Check out these resources
For Energy Vendors and Contractors Who Work With National Grid:
Do you work with or for National Grid’s energy efficiency programs? If so, be sure to take their safety trainings (instructions to access the training are near the bottom of National Grid’s webpage)
Follow these COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidance and Supporting Materials from Environmental Health & Engineering, Inc

Proper ventilation can reduce the risk of COVID transmission. Many businesses and residents may wish to check or upgrade their HVAC and/or ventilation systems to improve comfort and safety. If you are likely to provide these types of services, please review the following resources:

Additional guidance on COVID-19 and HVAC systems is available from ASHRAE
Rhode Island’s current mechanical code describes the air changes per hour needed in different building types, and can be found here
Rebates and incentives for energy efficient HVAC equipment may be found here

Making your payments

Difficulties paying your energy bills? The resources here can help:

General business assistance

Visit Rhode Island Commerce’s website to learn about state and federal support: