Press Release  Attorney General's Office Distributes $1.1 Million To Community Programs That Help Residents Pay Heating Bills

Boston — Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell’s Office has distributed $1.1 million to 12 organizations as part of the Office’s Residential Energy Assistance Grant (REAG) program. REAG is funded through settlement agreements the AGO reached with National Grid and the Berkshire Gas Company. 

Over the last year, Massachusetts residents have faced record high utility bills. Approximately 400,000 Massachusetts residential customers currently receive a low-income discount rate on their electric and gas bills. 

The REAG funds nonprofit organizations and municipalities in full compliance with all annual reporting requirements of both the AGO and the Internal Revenue Service. Programs that provide direct subsidies for heat assistance may award, in the aggregate, up to $1,000 for each eligible Massachusetts household per heating season. 

The REAG will not only provide additional funding to programs that aid Massachusetts families currently receiving heat assistance, but also expand assistance to more eligible households by directly subsidizing heating bills. Additionally, REAG will aid families in translating application documents and easing language barriers that can make access to services difficult. 

The 12 organizations that received funding include:  

•    Berkshire Community Action Committee 
•    Beverly Bootstraps 
•    Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell 
•    Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Worcester 
•    International Institute of New England 
•    Lower Cape Outreach Council 
•    Massachusetts Association for Community Action 
•    Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness 
•    Quaboag Hills Community Coalition 
•    Springfield Partners for Community Action 
•    Town of Dartmouth 
•    Town of Norton 
 
For consumers facing financial hardship, gas and electric utility companies cannot shut off heating service for non-payment between November 15 and March 15. For additional qualifications to prevent shut offs or restore service, including if you have an infant or someone seriously ill in your home, please see www.mass.gov/service-details/when-am-i-protected-from-having-my-utilities-shut-off or contact the Department of Public Utilities at (617) 737-2836. 

The Attorney General’s Energy & Ratepayer Advocacy Division has disbursed REAG funds since 2019, as part of an effort to direct funds received as part of various settlement agreements back into the community.  Questions about the grant program can be submitted by email to AGOgrants@mass.gov. 

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