Volunteer Opportunity Details:

Do you open up your gas or electric bill and wonder how you'll manage to pay the bills? You are not alone. Last year over 30,000 households in RI experienced an electric and/or natural gas service termination. We advocate energy justice in the face of rising prices. Working Americans, retirees, disabled and long-term unemployed persons are law-abiding citizens and deserve to have access to basic utility services (refrigeration, lights, heat). Now, those who get behind with their winter bills are shut-off because they can't get caught up. All consumers pay 100% of the past debt when lower-income consumers are turned-off. When lower-income consumers stay connected, they pay a portion of winter heat and their current bills. We advocate the exercise of consumer rights in demanding an affordable payment plan, we support progressive changes in Public Utility Commission rules and better state-wide legislation. Until alternative, sustainable energy is affordable for all, we need to make sure that every household is protected. Advocates must be interested in learning the key points in the regulations and proposed legislation and be able to talk to others about the issue, gather signatures of petitions and, if able to complete training, accompany other consumers to the Division of Public Utility hearings.

Informal training is available by attending any of the monthly meetings of the George Wiley Center and it RI Campaign to Eliminate Childhood Poverty (see our website calendar for details). A willingness to talk to people experiencing utility shut-off issues required. Bi-lingual skills helpful, but not required. Specific office training (and flex scheduling)to provide advocacy support for emergency callers offered.

This opportunity is sponsored by: George A. Wiley Center

This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Adults (26-54) Adults (55+) We need volunteers who are free at these times Weekdays Weekly

Contact Person: Elizabeth Marsis, Operations Manager, (4001) 728-5555, (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

32 East Ave. Pawtucket, RI 02860 (See a map)

Directions:

Directions: Take 95 North to exit 27 (Downtown Pawtucket) Go straight through two sets of traffic lights. Turn left onto George Street at traffic light. Go straight through first set of lights. At second set of lights(after Ground Round/Comfort Inn), take a right onto East Avenue Extension. Follow to bottom on hill. Look for Wiley Center on left across parking lot just before corner of Main Street.   Nearest Bus Stop: 99, 42, 1 minute walk

Details where opportunity can also be performed

This opportunity can also be performed in these locations:

Cities:		East Providence Manville
Counties:		Kent Newport Washington
Statewide:		Available throughout all of Rhode Island

Miscellaneous Information

Handicap accessible?
	Yes
Does this opportunity provide services to low-income communities?
	Yes