Low-Income Energy Programs
Federal| Utility | Charitable
Federal
LIHEAP Contact
Public Inquiries: 1-800-632-8175
Website
Apply Online
https://www.toapply.org/MassLIHEAP
Local LIHEAP Administering Agency Contacts
Local Administering Agency Contacts
Weatherization Assistance Program
Local Administering Agency Contacts
Website
LIHEAP FY 2024 Funding
$143,775,713
*including additional $3,775,737 from Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA), (Pub. L. 117-58)
LIHEAP Income Eligibility Level
60% State Median Income
LIHEAP FY 2024 Benefit
Heating: $250 minimum, $600 maximum
Crisis: Winter $600
LIHEAP Households Served in FY 2023
Heating: 152,011
Winter Crisis: 13,229
Weatherization: 8,042
LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating and Crisis: November 1 - April 30
Weatherization: Year-round
State
Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) Program
RAFT is a Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) funded homelessness prevention program. RAFT provides short-term financial assistance to low-income families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. RAFT offers flexible financial assistance designed to meet each family’s particular needs. Eligible uses include moving cost assistance, rent and utility arrears, rental stipends which help families who are behind on rent, 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/last month’s rent and furniture (no more than $1000 of the family’s $4000 assistance can be paid for furniture). Families can get up to $4000 within a 12-month period.
To be eligible for RAFT:
- Your family must be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
- The household must be income eligible.
- Meet the basic criteria of an assessment targeting tool developed by DHCD.
- The RAFT eligibility process will consider the reasons for which someone is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, including loss of income and increased expenses for those with incomes between 30 and 50 percent of AMI.
In addition:
- Your family's housing plan must show that RAFT assistance will stabilize your housing situation. You must have enough income after you get RAFT to be able to stay in your current housing, get new housing, or otherwise avoid homelessness.
To apply for RAFT, you should contact the regional Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) that serves your city or town. To find your regional HCEC, call 1-800-224-5124.
www.mass.gov/hed/housing/stabilization/residential-assistance-for-families-in-transition.html
Utility
Low-Income Rate Assistance
Over a dozen gas, electric and combination IOUs offer utility rate discounts totaling nearly $40 million per year and ranging from 20 percent to 42 percent off the low-income customer bill. These discounts were negotiated during the past two decades and were required to continue under Massachusetts' restructuring legislation. Households earning less than 175 percent of Federal Poverty Guidelines, or receiving one of several means tested programs, including LIHEAP, Food Stamps, TANF and SSI are eligible.
Eversource (NSTAR)
-
Discount Rate
If you are currently eligible for fuel assistance, or are receiving one of the benefits listed below, you may also be eligible for Eversource's Discount Rate. Please note, eligibility for the Discount Rate isn't limited to these programs, as other means-tested public benefits are also eligible.- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
- Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC)
- Food Stamps
- Refugee Resettlement Benefits
- MassHealth Basic and Standard
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
- Head Start
- Free and Reduced School Lunch or Breakfast Program
- Mass. Veterans Benefits (GLC. 115)
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for Surviving Spouse or Parents of Veterans (Dependency Indemnity Compensation letter required)
- Improved Veterans Disability Pension (Non-Service Connected Disability letter required)
- WIC
- Commonwealth Care Plan, Types 1, 2 or 2A
- Health Safety Net Plan - Primary or Secondary (not partial)
Please call (800-566-2080) or email us if you have any questions.
Online application is available on Eversource's website.
https://www.eversource.com/Content/ema-e/residential/programs-services/financial-assistance/discount-rate - New Start
The New Start program can help eliminate outstanding balances in as little as 12 months. After making on-time monthly payments, Eversource will make up the difference. Call 866-315-2496 for more information. To qualify, a client must be a current Eversource residential customer; have an account balance over $100 that is at least 60 days overdue; have an income that falls at or below 60 percent of the estimated state median income; have applied for, and be eligible to receive, energy assistance funds, or be able to provide other proof of income; continue to pay monthly budget amount on-time each month; and make a “good faith” payment (varies by customer based on payment history.)
https://www.eversource.com/Content/ema-e/residential/programs-services/financial-assistance/nu-start
National Grid
Discount Rate
You may receive a gas or electric discount if you are a low-income residential customer and participate in the following public assistance programs:
- Emergency Aid to Elders, Disabled and Children (EAEDC)
- Food Stamps
- Fuel Assistance
- Head Start
- MassHealth (Medicaid)
- Public or subsidized housing
- School Breakfast or Lunch Program (Free)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
- Veterans' Service Benefits
- Veterans Non-Service Pension/DIC
Applications are available on the website - https://www.nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/Bill-Help/Payment-Assistance-Programs
all 1-800-322-3223 for more information.
Berkshire Gas
- Discounted Residential Rates
Discounted non-heating and heating delivery charges are available to low-income customers who qualify for any means-tested public assistance programs or LIHEAP and household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
1-800-292-5012
website - Residential Arrearage Management Program (RAMP)
Provides financial assistance to eligible low-income customers with active accounts that have outstanding bills in arrears. Eligible low-income customers may qualify for forgiveness of past due bills for natural gas service. Program participants receive credits to their past due account up to a lifetime maximum of $3,000 once all program requirements have been met. (Some restrictions may apply.) Contact your local Community Action Council.
Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC)- Great Barrington 413-528-1947
- Pittsfield 413-445-5671
- North Adams 413-663-3014
- Franklin Community Action Council (FCAC) Amherst 413-774-2310
- Greenfield 413-774-2318
- website
- Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)
Program RAFT is a state-funded program for families at risk of homelessness. RAFT helps families who 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/last month's rent. Families can get up to $3000. Funding is limited. Not all eligible families get help.
Eligibility requirements include: To apply for RAFT, you should contact the regional Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) that serves your city or town. To find your regional HCEC, call 1-800-224-5124.
http://www.mass.gov/hed/housing/stabilization/residential-assistance-for-families-in-transition.html- Homeless family lacking permanent residence or at risk of homelessness
- Family of two or more with dependent child under 21 or disabled adult
- Sufficient income to support future expenses
- Rent/mortgage payment cannot exceed 50% of income
- Meet 50% of median income guideline for household size
- Documentation and verification of address, income, financial hardship and utility arrearage
Citizens Energy / Distrigas
Heat Assistance Program (CEDHAP)
Provides a $150 utility bill credit to eligible households who heat with natural gas. The program is run by Citizens Energy and funded by Distrigas.
1-866-427-9918
Essex County Gas Company
Twenty percent discount.
Residential heating rate will change from R-03 to R-04. Secondary users (non-heat) will change from R-01 to R-02.
Unitil/Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company
Discount Rate
Program for residential customers who qualify for any means-tested public assistance programs and household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Applications are available online.
1-888-301-7700
http://unitil.com/energy-for-residents/gas-information/assistance-programs
Littleton Electric Light Department
Senior Citizen and Disabled Customer Discounts
The base customer charge is waived for senior citizens (age 62 and over) and handicapped persons.
978-540-2222
Middleborough Gas and Electric Department
Senior Discount
Customers 60 years and older can apply for an additional 5% senior discount, which is added to the 10% prompt payment discount when the bill is paid within 10 days and the account is current.
508-947-1371
http://www.mged.com/bills-accounts/pages/billing-discounts
North Attleborough Electric Department
Residential Assistance
A 5 Discount rate available upon verification of a customer’s receipt of any means tested public benefit, or verification of eligibility for the low income home energy assistance program, or its successor program, for which eligibility does not exceed 175 percent of the federal poverty level based upon a household & gross income.
508-643-6300, 1-800-394-2662
www.naelectric.com/images/documents/Res_A5_RateSheet04_12-24.pdf
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
Customers of Massachusetts regulated electric and gas companies who receive the low-income discount rate may also be eligible for free energy efficiency services that may include energy audits, electric baseload measures, appliance efficiency services, attic and wall insulation, air sealing and heating system replacement.
Contact local Community Action agencies or call 1-800-632-8175.
Berkshire Gas
- Energy Efficiency Program
Heating customers are eligible for 100% of the installed cost of the following energy-saving measures:- Attic Insulation
- Duct Insulation
- Floor Insulation
- Wall Insulation
- Pipe Insulation
- Clock Thermostats
- Crawl Space Insulation
- Instrumented Air Sealing
Call 1-800-944-3212
website
City of Boston
Senior Home Emergency Home Repair Program
Helping seniors prepare their homes for the winter is a specialty of DND's Senior Homeowner Services unit. DND is assisted by a number of neighborhood-based agencies, including NOAH; ESAC, Kit Clark and United Southend Settlements.
617 635-0600
Eversource (NSTAR)
- MassSAVE
Energy efficiency specialists will answer your energy-saving questions and determine your eligibility for a Home Energy Assessment. The assessment includes an analysis of your home's energy use, advice for saving energy and rebate offers on recommended energy improvements. Call 800-632-8300 or visit www.masssave.com for more information. - Income Eligible Energy Efficiency
If you currently receive Eversource's Discount Rate, you may be eligible for a free home energy consultation, which may include the installation of conservation measures such as lighting upgrades, insulation and sealing of air leaks and possibly a new refrigerator, freezer, heating system and/or window air conditioning unit if the existing appliance is determined to be eligible and inefficient. Your rate code and usage information appears on your Eversource bill. If you qualify and would like more information, please contact your local Community Action Agency or visit the Mass Save web site.
https://www.eversource.com/Content/ema-e/residential/programs-services/financial-assistance/energy-efficiency-for-lower-income-customers
National Grid
Free home weatherization is available to income-eligible Massachusetts customers. Homeowners or renters may qualify for up to $4,500 in free weatherization measures. All services are provided by a licensed and insured local company. Please call you local Community Action Agency or 1-866-537-7267 for more information.
https://www.nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/Bill-Help/Payment-Assistance-Programs
Unitil (Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company)
- Customers of Massachusetts' regulated electric and gas companies who receive the low-income discount rate may also be eligible for free energy efficiency services that may include energy audits, electric baseload measures, appliance efficiency services, attic and wall insulation, air sealing and heating system replacement.
Contact local Community Action agencies or call 1-800-632-8175.
Emergency Charitable Assistance
Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
Good Neighbor Energy Fund
Utilities and utility customers fund the Good Neighbor Energy Fund across Massachusetts. The 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. Income must be within 60-80 percent of the State Median Income.
Apply by contacting your local Salvation Army Service Center. If you do not see a Service Center in your local area, please call 339-502-5900. For more information on the fund and how to apply, visit your local Salvation Army Service Center, please call: 1-800-334-3047 (serving area codes 508, 617, 781 and 978) or 1-800-262-1320 (serving area code 413)
www.magoodneighbor.org/assistance.html
Community Energy Assistance Program (Millbury and Sutton)
Provides fuel assistance to households in Millbury and Sutton that meet federal guidelines for low-income individuals. For qualifying applicants, Millbury Savings Bank will pay $350 for oil, natural gas, or electric directly to the energy supplier. Last winter, more than 60 local families received assistance.
To apply, or to determine if you are eligible, contact one of the program's coordinators: Judith O'Connor Millbury Senior Center 1 River Street 508-865-9247 OR Michelle Edelstein Sutton Senior Center 19 Hough Road
508-234-0703.
UniBank Fuel Assistance Fund
Funds may be available to Blackstone Valley residents who do not qualify under traditional income guidelines, to families who cannot afford the standard 100-gallon minimum delivery amount, or to those families who may have already reached their annual limit for fuel oil benefits.
For more information on applying for a grant, contact the Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. by calling 508-754-1176. You may also apply in writing or in person at 484 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Worcester, MA 01608.
