Help paying your energy bill
Discount rate
You may be able to get a discount on your electric and gas bill if you are income-eligible. Starting November 1, 2026, your discount depends on your household income and the number of people in your household. Learn more about the discount rate on the Help paying your utility bill webpage.
Home energy assistance program (HEAP)
If you are income-eligible, you may be able to get help paying your heating bills from November to April. Learn more and find out how to apply on the Learn about Home Energy Assistance - HEAP webpage.
Arrearage management program (AMP)
If you are on the discount rate and behind on your energy bills, an arrearage management program (AMP) may help lower the amount you owe. With an AMP, you make payments each month. As you make your payments, part of your past-due balance may be reduced. Learn more about AMPs on the Help paying your utility bill webpage.
Payment plan
If you struggle to keep up with your energy bills, a payment plan can help you catch up. You pay part of your past-due balance each month along with your current bill. Learn more about payment plans on the Help paying your utility bill webpage.
Budget billing
Budget billing can make your monthly gas or electric bills more predictable. You pay about the same amount each month instead of paying more during months when you use more energy. Budget billing does not lower the total amount you pay for energy. You will still pay the same total amount by the end of the year. Find out more information on the Help paying your utility bill webpage.
Protection from service shutoffs
There are rules that may protect you from having your gas or electric service shut off. If your service has already been shut off, call the DPU Consumer Division directly at (617) 737-2836 or toll-free at (877) 886-5066. Learn more about protections from service shutoffs on the Know your rights as a utility consumer webpage.
Help using less energy
Energy efficiency
Mass Save can help you use less energy and lower your energy bills. You may be able to get help paying for:
- Energy-efficient appliances,
- Improvements that help keep your home warm or cool, and
- Heat pumps.
All utility customers can access these resources on the Mass Save webpage. Extra help may be available depending on your household income. Learn more about income-eligible resources on the Mass Save Income-Eligible webpage.
Weatherization assistance program (WAP)
You may be able to get help to make your home more energy efficient. Weatherization can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer while using less energy. Learn more and find out how to apply on the Weatherization Assistance Program webpage.
Community shared solar
You may be able to join a community shared solar program and save money on your electric bill. You do not need to put solar panels on your home to join a community shared solar program. Learn more about community solar in Massachusetts on the MassCEC community solar webpage.
Other ways to save on energy
Choosing your electricity supplier
Your electric company delivers electricity to your home, but you may be able to choose who supplies your electricity. Some cities and towns buy electricity for their residents through a program called municipal aggregation. These electric rates are sometimes lower than what your electric company offers. Check the list of approved municipal aggregation programs to see if your community has one.
You can also compare electricity supplier rates on the Energy Switch webpage. Before choosing a competitive supplier, learn about your rights on the Know your rights as a utility consumer first.
Seasonal heat pump rates
If you heat your home with a heat pump, you may be able to save money on your electric bill during the winter. Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil offer special winter rates for customers who use heat pumps to heat their homes. These rates are available from November 1 through April 30. The special rate applies to the delivery part of your electric bill. It applies to all the electricity you use during this time. It does not change your electricity supply rate.
Learn more about seasonal heat pump rates and how to sign up on the Residential electric seasonal heat pump rates webpage.
Electric vehicle programs
If you have or are thinking about getting an electric vehicle (EV), there may be programs that can help you save money.
You may be able to get help paying for:
- A new or used EV
- An EV charger for your home or business
- Charging your EV at certain times of day
Learn about discounts for buying an EV on the MOR-EV webpage. Learn more about EV chargers, state and federal EV funding, and ways to save on charging on the EV Charging Information webpage.