WALTHAM, Mass. — As colder temperatures take hold, National Grid is reminding Massachusetts customers to take advantage of energy programs that can help them pay and manage their energy bills.

 

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, 2023, and covers energy usage from Nov. 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023.

 

LIHEAP is open to both homeowners and renters, including households whose cost of heat is included in rent, and eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member 18 years of age or older. Household income cannot exceed 60 percent of estimated state median income. This 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 high energy bills can be a real challenge for many customers – especially as we get into the colder months," said Helen Burt, Chief Customer Officer at National Grid. "The LIHEAP program can provide much needed assistance to customers who are struggling to keep up with their energy costs. We also encourage customers to look at options in our Winter Customer Savings Initiative, to consider a payment program, or see if they are eligible for rate discounts."

 

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:

• Visit https://www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap.

• Customers may also call the Cold Relief Heatline at (800) 632-8175.

 

National Grid recognizes increased bills pose challenges for many customers. This fall, the company launched its Winter Customer Savings Initiative, which is designed to help customers reduce their energy use and lower energy costs, manage their energy bills and payments, and help them secure available energy assistance if they need it. The company recently donated $1 million combined last month to three Massachusetts branches of the United Way and to the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund to assist customers with high winter energy bills.

 

Along with LIHEAP, National Grid has several programs dedicated to helping income-qualified families and customers needing special assistance meet their energy needs. 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 any Massachusetts residents who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month's energy expense and is not eligible for state or federal energy assistance

 

Furthermore, several bill help options and payment plans are available for customers in need of assistance. 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.