Deal in works to help low-income residents pay utility bills
PROVIDENCE, R.I. There's a deal in the works that could help low-income residents pay their utility bills. The proposal is being worked out by advocates for the poor and the energy industry. One detail is the plan would have rate payers subsidize the costs for low-income users.
Elizabeth Burke Bryant of Rhode Island Kids Count has been involved in the months-long discussions. She says the plan could be submitted to the General Assembly as soon as Friday. Advocates for the poor say low-income residents have to give up food and medicine to heat their homes. Others rely on donations, or have their heat shut off.
Meanwhile, state Representative Thomas Slater has a bill that would attach a one-percent surcharge to all utility bills to help the poor pay their bills.
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