January 23, 2025 |Energy, National Grid, News, Resources

National Grid Reminds Customers about Energy Assistance Programs

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Multiple support options available for customers in need of aid

In preparation for colder temperatures, National Grid encourages its Massachusetts customers to take advantage of energy programs that can help manage their energy bills and keep their homes comfortable.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), commonly referred to as Fuel Assistance, provides eligible households with help in paying a portion of winter heating bills. Enrollment for LIHEAP is free and open through April 30, 2025.

LIHEAP is open to homeowners and renters, including households whose cost of heat is included in rent. Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member 18 or older. Household income cannot exceed 60% of the estimated state median income. The program provides assistance through a fixed benefit amount for the cost of the primary source of heat, which includes, but is not limited to, electricity, oil, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood, and coal.

“National Grid recognizes that energy bills can be a real challenge for many customers – especially in the colder winter months,” said Bill Malee, Chief Customer Officer at National Grid. “The LIHEAP program can provide much-needed assistance for customers struggling to keep up with their energy costs and helps cover energy usage dating back to November 1, 2024. We also encourage customers to visit us at one of our Customer Assistance Events, where attendees can meet with National Grid assistance program experts in person and explore options to manage their energy bills and ways to save money.”

To apply for LIHEAP

• Apply online at https://www.toapply.org/MassLIHEAP
• Visit and apply at an agency in your area. 

For more information concerning LIHEAP please click here. Customers may also call the Cold Relief Heatline at (800) 632-8175.

LIHEAP is funded by an annual federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, and administered by a network of local agencies, in many areas the same agency that administers the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP or fuel assistance).

“Thousands of families across Massachusetts depend on LIHEAP assistance to keep their homes warm during the winter,” said U.S. Representative Lori Trahan of Massachusetts. “That’s why I’ve always encouraged anyone in need of help to check their eligibility, connect with their local community action agency or National Grid, and apply for home heating assistance as soon as possible.”

Along with LIHEAP, National Grid customers have access to several programs designed to help reduce energy use and lower energy costs, manage their energy bills and payments, and help them secure available energy assistance. Programs include but are not limited to:

• Discount Rates where qualifying income-eligible customers may receive a discounted rate on electric and gas service, as well as no-cost energy efficiency upgrades.
• The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is available to income eligible Massachusetts resident who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month’s energy expense and is not eligible for state or federal energy assistance.
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides financial relief to eligible households to help them pay their winter heating bills, ensuring they can keep their homes safe and warm during the colder months. HEAP is a free, statewide resource that assists eligible renters and homeowners by paying a portion of their winter heating bills directly to their heating companies.
• Customers may enroll in programs such as the Budget Billing Plan, which spreads monthly payments out more evenly throughout the year to offset periods of high energy usage. 
• Through a No-Cost Home Energy Assessment, National Grid sets customers up with an energy specialist who will walk through the home, create a customized energy report, and provide no-cost energy-saving products, such as advanced power strips, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and programmable thermostats for installation in a home. Interested Massachusetts customers can call 1-866-527-SAVE (7283). More information is available at: ngrid.com/assessment.

Customers are encouraged to visit ngrid.com/heretohelp to explore assistance options and learn more.

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information, please visit our website, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), watch us on YouTube, like us on Facebook and find us on Instagram.

The above press release was submitted to us by National Grid.