Reed Welcomes $1.87 Million in Weatherization Funds to Help RIers Lower Their Utility Bills

PROVIDENCE, RI - In an effort to help Rhode Islanders improve energy efficiency and save money on their utility bills, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today delivered $1,877,852 in federal funding for Rhode Island's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).

This federal funding will allow the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) and Department of Human Services to partner with Community Action Agencies throughout the state to provide weatherization services to eligible households, helping low-income families permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. According to the Department of Energy, WAP households save on average $372 or more on energy costs annually. Examples of weatherization assistance includes air sealing, attic and wall insulation, heating system upgrades, energy audits, and window and roof repair and replacement. The program also helps with home health and safety measures, such as installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

"Trump's ill-advised war in Iran is driving up costs, particularly when it comes to cooling and heating. This federal funding will help Rhode Islanders cope with those costs, lower their energy bills and make their homes more energy efficient, which generates long-term savings. At the same time, WAP also creates jobs for energy experts and contractors. That's a win-win that generates instant savings and also helps the state meet its long-term energy goals," said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee who led the bipartisan effort to include $360 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in the 2026 fiscal year appropriations package, and successfully included the funding despite the Trump Administration's attempt to eliminate the program.

Reed noted that when weatherization professionals do home visits, they check for far more than insulation and air sealing. A team of contractors inspects homes and identifies serious safety and health issues, such as exposed electrical hazards, improper ventilation, and disconnected smoke detectors. So in addition to lowering energy bills, the work helps prevent tragedies and helps more families live in safe, healthy homes.

Studies show that low-income people and senior citizens spend a disproportionate share of their income on heating and electricity. Energy efficiency improvements can significantly cut or eliminate the excess energy burden experienced by these households.

WAP grants are administered by the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources and Department of Human Services with applications available at local Community Action Programs. Priority is given to households with children, seniors, persons with disabilities. Both homeowners and renters with the permission of their landlords may apply, and the program assists all types of housing including single-family homes, multi-family buildings, and manufactured homes.

Over the last five years, Senator Reed has delivered over $25 million in federal WAP funding to the state.

Senator Reed and Susan Collins recently teamed up to lead 17 of their colleagues to urge the Trump Administration to speed the distribution of federal funds to states and local partners from WAP and the State Energy Program, after the Administration had been dragging its feet for months to delay the process.

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