National Grid Encourages Use of Energy Assistance Programs

02:29PM / Monday, January 27, 2025Print Story | Email Story

WALTHAM, Mass. — National Grid encourages its Massachusetts customers to take advantage of energy programs that can help manage their energy bills and keep their homes comfortable during winter temperatures.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or 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.

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 percent 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 Nov. 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."

Apply online here or visit and apply at an agency in your area. More information concerning LIHEAP here. Customers can also call the Cold Relief Heatline at 1-800-632-8175.

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).

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. Customers are encouraged to visit National Grid website to explore assistance options and learn more. Interested Massachusetts customers can call 1-866-527-SAVE (7283). More information is available here.

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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
03:33PM / Friday, October 16, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.

The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.

"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."

Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.

Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.

Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.

Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.

The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.

The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.

"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."

Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.

"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."

He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.

"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."

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