Payment Assistance Programs
Everyone needs a little help sometimes. We have several programs to help income-eligible families and customers needing special assistance meet their energy needs.
Discount Rates on Electric
Income-eligible customers may qualify for a discounted rate on electric service. To be eligible, you must be a National Grid customer and already enrolled in an eligible benefit program or the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). To see if you are eligible and apply, fill out the Electric Discount Rate Application.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is also known as the Fuel Assistance Program. This federally funded program helps income-eligible households pay their energy bills. Eligibility is based on your household size and annual household income. Household income cannot exceed 60% of the estimated State Median Income. Please see the income eligibility chart for 2022-2023 below:
| Number of People in Household | 4 Week Pre-Tax Household Income (if paid weekly or bi-weekly) |
Annual Pre-Tax Household Income |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
$3,262 |
$42,411 |
|
2 |
$4,266 |
$55,461 |
|
3 |
$5,270 |
$68,511 |
|
4 |
$6,274 |
$81,561 |
|
5 |
$7,278 |
$94,610 |
|
6 |
$8,282 |
$107,660 |
|
7 |
$8,470 |
$110,107 |
|
8 |
$8,658 |
$112,554 |
For this heating season, HEAP applications are now being accepted. You can apply online at https://toapply.org/MassLIHEAP or contact your local Fuel Assistance Agency, which you can find on the MASSCAP website.
If you have any questions about the HEAP program, please call the Massachusetts Heat Line toll-free at 1-800-632-8175.
Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is available to any Massachusetts resident who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month’s energy expense and is not eligible for state or federal energy assistance. Household income must fall between 60 and 80 percent of the state’s median income levels. For more information, visit the Good Neighbor website or call 1-800-334-3047 (serving area codes 508, 617, 781, and 978) or 1-800-262-1320 (serving area code 413).
Protection for Eligible Customers
If cannot pay your bills due to financial hardship, your utility service will NOT be shut off for nonpayment if:
- You are 65 years or older
- You have an infant under the age of one year
- You have a serious medical emergency
For more information, please call the phone number listed on your bill.
State Federal Funds
Residential Assistance to Families in Transition (RAFT)
This program lends short-term financial assistance to income-eligible families who are at risk of becoming homeless and are behind on rent, mortgage payments, or utility bills. RAFT also helps families who have to move but do not have enough money to pay a security deposit, utility startup costs, or first and last months’ rent. To learn more, visit this website.
Energy Efficiency Services
Based on your income level and household size, you may be eligible for no-cost energy efficiency services. It all starts with a no-cost Energy Assessment of your home to determine possible energy savings opportunities. You will receive no-cost energy-efficient light bulbs, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and an advanced power strip. Other new no-cost products could possibly include a new refrigerator, freezer, heating system, dehumidifier, and/or window air conditioner if the existing appliance is determined to be inefficient. No-cost services may also include attic and wall insulation, weather-stripping, and air sealing of leaks. These services are available whether your home is heated with oil, natural gas, electricity, wood, coal, or propane. You can be a homeowner or tenant. To find out more, please read about Income Eligible Services or call 1-866-537-7267.