EEA Winter Bill Relief

We know families are struggling to get by this winter. Sustained cold temperatures, now compounded by a serious storm, are straining people’s budgets. Families need relief now. We want to share more about a new state initiative that will help bring down your energy bills.

Massachusetts residential gas and electric customers will see reduced bills in February and March thanks to $180 million in support from the Healey Driscoll Administration. With high energy bills and severe cold weather, Massachusetts families are struggling to get by. Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll are delivering helping reduce electric bills by 25% and gas bills by 10% for the months of February and March.

More Fuel Assistance Resources

There are many available programs offered by the utilities and other partners to help manage bills. Below are a few options that may be available to you.

The Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program

HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) can help you pay your utility bills if you qualify. Please vist to learn more about HEAP eligibility rules and for a list of fuel assistance offices.

The Salvation Army’s Good Neighbor Energy Fund

The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides up to $400 in emergency energy assistance to income-eligible households (60-80% of state median income) experiencing temporary financial hardship who do not qualify for federal/state aid. Administered by The Salvation Army and funded by energy companies, it helps with heating/utility bills.

The DPU Winter Shutoff Moratorium

Ahead of this winter, the DPU has expanded the residential service shut-off moratorium for this winter. The shut-off moratorium began on October 27, 2025, and will end on April 1, 2026, instead of the typical time period as outlined in state law.

The shut-off moratorium applies to residential customers of the investor-owned electric and gas companies regulated by the DPU, and for this winter, Municipal Light Plant customers are also covered. These utility companies cannot shut off heating service to residents who demonstrate they are experiencing financial hardship.

Any customer experiencing financial hardship should contact their utility to learn about the additional assistance programs offered like budget billing and extended payment plans to make your utility bills more manageable. Learn more about your rights as a utility customer here.

Get on a Discount Rate

The utilities offer a low-income discount rate for eligible customers. Massachusetts residents that are on certain government benefits programs are automatically enrolled in the low-income rates. Certain gas customers are eligible for a 25% discount, and certain electric customers may be eligible for a discount ranging from 32 to 71% depending on your electric utility. You may be eligible for a discount on your electricity or gas service. Contact your utility company to help enroll you on the rate if you qualify.

Utility Programs

Your utility may have specific relief programs you may qualify for. 

GasElectric
Berkshire GasEversource
Eversource (NSTAR Gas and Eversource Gas Company of Massachusetts)National Grid
Liberty UtilitiesUnitil
National Grid 
Unitil 

In addition to their current existing bill management programs, both Eversource and National Grid have been out in communities speaking with customers to help them understand their bills and find available financial assistance.

Eversource’s Community Workshop and Webinar Recording

National Grid’s Community Workshops and Webinars

Lower Ongoing Energy Costs

Customers of the Mass Save programs are eligible for rebates and other offerings to help make energy efficiency upgrades and access modern, clean heating. To see what’s available, visit www.masssave.com.

Customers of municipal utilities can visit netzero.org or ene.org/sustainability to find available rebates and incentives.

MA Energy Savings Finder

This tool helps residents find local, state and federal rebates, incentives and tax credits to help homeowners and renters lower their energy use, make home upgrades, and add solar. To learn more, visit: Massachusetts Energy Savings Finder

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