National Grid Encourages Customers to Enroll in Heating Assistance Programs

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WALTHAM, MA – As winter weather and colder temperatures persist, National Grid is reminding Massachusetts customers to take advantage of energy programs that can help them 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, 2024, and covers energy usage from Nov. 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024.
 
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 or older. Household income cannot exceed 60 percent of 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.
 
To apply for LIHEAP:
 
For more information concerning LIHEAP:
 
National Grid recognizes winter bills can pose challenges for customers. National Grid’s Customer Savings Initiative 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 .
 
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.
 
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.
 
 

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Pittsfield Now Has 3 Splash Pads

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— New facilities are coming to city parks. 

A splash pad is now running at Durant Park, and a mini-pitch soccer field will be installed at Crane Park this fall.  During the last Parks Commission meeting, Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath delivered project updates. 

"We want to see these parks utilized. This is all about healthy Pittsfield," he said during the commission's July 21 meeting.

"Let's activate our parks and use the commission to really sensibly look at other improvements." 

This is Pittsfield's third splash pad, the others at Clapp Park and The Common.  Constructed by Baskin Builders, the outdoor water attraction is button-operated and has a variety of water elements for different ages.  

The facility soft-opened recently, and Pittsfield plans to host a formal ribbon-cutting this month with the Westside Legends and Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity. 

"That project went really well, and we're really looking forward to offering a splash pad down at that great little park," McGrath said.

Durant Park, a 2.1-acre park at 30 John St., also hosts a 4,750-square-foot playground, basketball court, softball field, picnic area, and sitting areas. It is located in the heart of the West Side neighborhood and is within walking distance of many households. 

In December, the City Council accepted $215,980 from the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission to install a stormwater treatment system on Francis Avenue and a splash pad at the park. BRPC agreed with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program to administer the funds. 

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