WALTHAM, MA – As Massachusetts residents dig out from a blockbuster winter storm, National Grid remains focused on delivering safe, reliable, and affordable energy to our more than 1.3 million electric customers across the Commonwealth. The Company continues to operate, inspect and maintain the poles, wires, meters, and other infrastructure that keeps the lights on during the harshest conditions.

On Sunday and Monday, National Grid crews restored service to more than 8,800 customers affected by Winter Storm Fern, a long duration system that dropped more than a foot of snow across Massachusetts — and up to two feet in some areas.  Crews were pre-positioned across the service territory to address any issues as they arose. Working in poor visibility and below zero wind chills, National Grid’s personnel and infrastructure proved equal to the challenge. Although storm impacts were less severe than events with wet, heavy snow, National Grid’s preparation and system investments still played a key role in minimizing outages and accelerating restoration. Across the region, National Grid's Gas teams also worked through the extreme cold to deliver on the energy needs of our customers safely and reliably during peak periods of demand.

“With sub-freezing temperatures the norm in recent weeks, it is critically important that we deliver for our customers,” said Chris Laird, Chief Operating Officer, Electric, National Grid New England.  “Our preparation, skilled workforce and targeted investments in equipment, automation, and vegetation management enable us to meet the moment when severe weather comes our way. These upgrades are helping us avoid outages and when they do occur, restore service faster for when customers need it most.”

A key component of these improvements is the deployment of Fault, Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR) technology.  This advanced automation isolates faults and restores power more quickly and is now available to 33 percent of customers in Massachusetts, with plans for future expansion. In 2025, FLISR helped prevent more than 80,000 service interruptions, avoiding over 8 million minutes of customer outages.

In addition to technological upgrades, National Grid continues to prioritize robust vegetation management. The Company’s forestry teams —  recently nationally recognized by the Right of Way Stewardship Council — invest approximately $65 million annually in tree trimming and hazard tree removal. Maintaining safe clearance between power lines and vegetation, and removing decayed or dying trees, helps reduce Massachusetts’ most frequent reliability risk.

Customer Bill Assistance

National Grid’s investments are designed to strengthen system performance while supporting customer affordability. As colder temperatures persist across New England, National Grid is expanding programs, outreach and resources to help customers manage energy costs.

Earlier this month, National Grid and the National Grid Foundation announced a $5 million statewide initiative to provide affordability assistance for Massachusetts customers over the next two years. Funds, administered by community partners,  will support seniors and income-eligible households through new resources, enhanced outreach, and weatherization services.

In partnership with the Healey-Driscoll Administration, National Grid has also implemented a targeted winter relief effort that will lower energy bills for February and March.

To support customers using heat pumps, National Grid has introduced a new seasonal rate designed to reduce winter costs and make electric heating more cost-effective.

Additionally, income-eligible electric customers can now access a new tiered discount rate program, offering savings between 32 percent and 71 percent depending on income and household size. Eligibility requires participation in a qualifying program or a grant from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Next month, National Grid will host free public webinars providing an overview of bill management solutions and financial assistance options:

• Spanish-language webinar: Feb. 6, 1–2 p.m. (Registration here.)
• English-language webinar: Feb. 9, noon–1 p.m. (Registration here.)

National Grid hosts a series of in-person customer events throughout the territory every month.

More information about payment plans, energy saving programs, and all available assistance options can be found at ngrid.com/hereforyou.

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) delivers electricity and natural gas to more than 20 million people across New York and Massachusetts. We’re committed to meeting our customers’ energy needs and supporting economic growth across the regions we serve—providing safe, reliable energy today and building the resilient networks of the future. National Grid Ventures, our commercial business, develops and operates infrastructure that delivers affordable and reliable energy to consumers. National Grid Partners, our corporate investment and innovation arm, invests in and collaborates with technology companies that are transforming the energy sector and accelerating industry-wide innovation.