Energy Conservation Grants for the Elderly

Elderly citizens in Rhode Island who have made expenditures for home improvements to increase the energy efficiency of their home are eligible for energy conservation grant up to $200. The energy conservation grant is designed as an alternative to tax credits or rebates for energy efficiency that are usually provided as federal and state tax return. Elderly citizens who either rent or own property may not be required to file tax credits and thus do not receive such incentives. This program directly provides grants to such qualifying citizens for energy efficiency investments. Eligibility To apply for the grant the person must be of age sixty five (65) or over, who is not required under existing tax law to file state income tax or a federal income tax or who does not receive a tax rebate for energy conservation. The energy efficiency upgrades must be done on the principle residence. The person can be an owner or a renter of the residential dwelling. Program DescriptionThe energy conservation grant includes one-time grant of fifty percent (50%) up to two hundred dollars ($200) of any sums expended for the purchase and installation of energy conservation items as provided below: Insulation designed to reduce heat loss or heat gain in a home or in a water heater Storm or thermal windows or doors for the exterior of the home Caulking or weather stripping of exterior doors or windows Clock thermostats or other automatic energy-saving set-back themostats Furnace modifications designed to increase fuel efficiency, including replacement burners, modified flue openings, and ignition systems that replace gas pilot light.