PIPP in the News
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Providence Journal —Pay what you can? Proposal could help low-income Rhode Islanders with gas, electric bills: “'Through this legislation, we have a chance to challenge the utility termination crisis for low-income households that has plagued our state for too long,' wrote Camilo Viveiros ..."
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WPRI-12 —RI lawmakers hearing bill providing relief to those struggling to pay utility bill: "Rhode Island Energy said in a letter to the House Committee on Corporations they’re ready to work to construct a viable path forward with the PIPP."
Our Mission
Winning a Percentage Income Payment Plan will relieve low-income households from current, regressive rate structures. A PIPP would take income into account and create a just transition to affordable fossil free energy.
What is a PIPP?
PIPP stands for Percentage of Income Payment Plan. Recognizing that utility service is a basic need and an essential element of adequate housing, PIPP programs help make sure all have access to affordable utility service. Under a PIPP, low-income households pay a fixed percentage of their income for utility bills. This percentage depends on the Federal Poverty Level of that household — those with the highest Federal Poverty Level pay the smallest percentage of their income for utility bills.
Did you know?
Currently, Rhode Islanders living under the Federal Poverty line routinely spend about 44 percent of their income on utilities. This October, a 47% increase in electricity bills proposed by Rhode Island Energy was approved for the coming winter. While storm-related temporary power outages make the news, each year over 20,000 RI households are put through the trauma of utility termination due to unaffordable bills. Many go weeks or months without access to basic needs. A PIPP plan would allow people with the lowest incomes to pay a more manageable amount for their utilities and help stop the shut-off crisis in Rhode Island.
Help Pass PIPP
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Fill out this PIPP Petition
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Stay tuned for the hearing of Senate Bill No. 518
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Please ask your legislators for support and a floor vote
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Use this link to contact your representatives
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Our Partners
Nature's Trust Rhode Island
Individual Partners
Anne Landry, Saint Vincent DePaul Society*
Barbara Svenningsen, Saint Vincent DePaul Society*
Daria Capalbo, Saint Vincent DePaul Society*
Eleanor Mcgrath, Saint Vincent DePaul Society*
Lita Maenelli, Saint Vincent DePaul Society*
Mary Gromley, Saint Vincent DePaul Society*
Mchael DeNola, Saint Vincent DePaul Society*
* Organization listed for identification purposes only