Despite the recent stream of bitterly cold temperatures, Rhode Island’s Low Income Heating Assistance Program still has plenty of money for the cold months to come.

Rhode Island received about $27 million dollars in federal assistance to support the program this year.  LIHEAP, as it’s known, helps some 34 thousand households pay for heating costs throughout the winter. 

State Department of Human Services spokesman Fred Sneesby said there looks to be enough money for two reasons. “This cold snap is balanced by the very mild weather in December, and the other thing going in our favor, in terms of stretching the funds is that oil fuel prices have fallen as well.”

Sneesby adds that residents in need of heating assistance can still apply for the program. The program operates through April.

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