WALTHAM, MA – With energy bills expected to increase this winter, for both natural gas and electric service due to the increase in global energy prices, National Grid is launching a series of customer energy assistance pop-up events across Massachusetts to provide customers with information on available assistance and help them prepare for the winter season.

Beginning on September 20 in North Adams, National Grid and other partners will be hosting customer energy assistance pop-ups, at which customers can meet with National Grid representatives and others to:

• sign up for bill payment programs,
• hear about options for direct energy assistance,
• schedule energy audits,
• speak to customer service representatives and
• meet with regional assistance program leaders.

Six more events will be held between October and December in other areas throughout the state, including Worcester, Dorchester, Lowell, Fall River and Brockton.

“With energy costs rising due to events across the globe and the winter heating season fast approaching, we understand the impact this increased financial burden can have on our customers and communities,” said Helen Burt, Chief Customer Officer at National Grid.  “We want to help our customers take action now to reduce their energy costs, manage their energy bills, and secure the energy assistance they need.  There are numerous programs available through National Grid, the state and community-based organizations that can help customers, today.  We recognize this winter is going to be tough for a lot of people throughout our communities. Through our Customer Winter Savings Initiative, we are here to help customers and want to do everything we can to support them in managing this challenge, during this extraordinary economic time.”

Customers who attend these pop-up events will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from National Grid, who will be on-site to assist with billing issues and provide the following help for customers:

• Enrolling in the Energy Discount Rate (for qualifying customers)
• Enrolling in payment assistance programs
• Enrolling in Budget Billing
• Enrolling in the Forgiveness Program (for qualifying customers)
• Educating on available energy efficiency and savings opportunities for their homes and businesses

In locations where National Grid provides only electric or gas service while another utility provides the other, representatives from both utilities will be available.

Along with the advocates, partner agencies will be on hand to meet with customers, including:

• Local Community Assistance Program agencies for the federal Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and other fuel assistance services
• Local Community Assistance Program agencies to assist with low-income energy efficiency services
• Representatives for Mass Save

In addition, agencies such as rental assistance organizations, the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, and other agencies that assist low- and moderate-income families and individuals will be available in some locations. 

Dates and locations for energy fairs are:

• Tuesday, Sept. 20 – Charles H. McCann Technical School, North Adams
• Tuesday, Oct. 25 – Worcester Public Library, Worcester
• Thursday, Oct. 27 – Dorchester, location to be determined and announced
• Thursday, Nov. 10 – Brockton, location to be determined and announced
• Tuesday, Nov. 15 – Citizen Center, Haverhill
• Thursday, Dec. 1 – City Hall, Fall River
• Tuesday, Dec. 6 – Lowell, location to be determined and announced

All events will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. More information about energy fairs can be found at ngrid.com/mapopup.

National Grid remains committed to providing customers a variety of energy-saving tips and billing options to help offset expected increases in this winter’s energy prices. Customers in need of billing assistance or additional support can visit ngrid.com/winter to learn more.

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