Your electric or gas company cannot shut off your service if you have a financial hardship and:
- you or someone in your home is seriously ill
- you have an infant under 12 months
- it is between November 15 and March 15 and you need to heat your home
- all adults in the home are age 65 or older and a minor child resides in the home.
If you have a financial hardship, inform your utility company immediately. A financial hardship exists when you are unable to pay an overdue bill and you meet income eligibility requirements for the Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). You may be eligible for assistance if your household income does not exceed 60% of the state median income.
You may be eligible for a discount rate if you receive any means-tested public-benefit program, such as:
- 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 Standard, CarePlus, or Limited1
- Head Start
- Free and Reduced School Lunch or Breakfast Program
- MassVeterans Benefits (G.L.c. 115)
- Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for Surviving Spouse or Parents of Veterans
- Improved Veterans Disability Pension
- ConnectCare Plan, Types 1, 2, or 3A
- Health Safety Net Plan – Primary or Secondary
- Women, Infants & Children (WIC)
Berkshire Gas
Berkshire Gas can provide affordable payment arrangements and direct you to agencies that may provide financial assistance.
Eversource
Help is available if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills.
National Grid
National Grid offers a number of assistance programs and deferred payment options if you need them.