National Grid Appeals for Donations to the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund to Satisfy Urgency of Need

WALTHAM, Mass. – As a sponsor of the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, National Grid is appealing to local residents and businesses to consider a donation to the Fund's 2015 “Give the Gift of Warmth” campaign due to a heightened urgency of need brought on by the string of snowstorms and bitter cold temperatures the state has experienced this winter.

The Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides energy assistance to those Massachusetts households who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month's energy expense and are not eligible for state or federal energy assistance funds. The 30th annual campaign is a cooperative effort among the state's sponsoring energy companies, the general public and The Salvation Army, which administers the Fund. The campaign's 2014-15 goal is to raise $550,000 and help more than 1,750 households.

“We’ve been informed that, unsurprisingly, the Fund has received an increased number of requests from those in need this heating season,” said Marcy Reed, president of National Grid in Massachusetts. “If possible, we’re leaning on all of our neighbors to consider supporting those in greatest need by placing a donation – of any amount – in the green envelope enclosed in their utility bill, or by donating online at www.magoodneighbor.org.”

The Fund is often the last resort for families who have not qualified for federal and state assistance programs. To qualify for assistance from the Fund, an applicant's gross household income must fall between 60 and 80 percent of the state’s median income levels. For example, a household size of two would need to have a total gross yearly income of between $42,654 and $56,872 to qualify. A household of six would need to have a yearly income of between $82,800 and $110,400 to qualify, etc. This year's Fund disbursement is $275 per eligible household for the heating season.

Residents and businesses that wish to support the Fund can “Give the Gift of Warmth” by using the green-colored Good Neighbor Energy Fund donation envelope found as an insert in monthly energy bills. Some energy companies offer an 'add a dollar' program which allows customers to contribute on their monthly bill payment by one dollar or more. Anyone can also donate with a credit card online by visiting www.magoodneighbor.org or by calling 1-800-725-2769. Donors can also simply mail a check payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund”, c/o The Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, MA 02021-1408.

For more information on the Fund and how to apply, visit your local Salvation Army Corps Community Center or call (800) 334-3047 if in area codes 508, 617, 781 or 978 or (800) 262-1320 if in area code 413 or by visiting www.magoodneighbor.org.