WALTHAM, MA - National Grid announced today that it will donate nearly $500,000 to three branches of the United Way and the Good Neighbor Energy Fund to help customers struggling with winter heating and electric bills.

National Grid estimates the grant funding will benefit thousands of customers in helping to pay energy bills this winter. The funds will be distributed to three United Way partners: the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, the United Way of Central Massachusetts, and the United Way of the Cape & Islands. They will then distribute it to local community action programs that administer energy assistance requests. In addition, funds are being donated to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund.

“The winter season brings higher heating bills, and that can be a real challenge for many of our customers,” said Melissa Lavinson, Head of Corporate Affairs, New England at National Grid. “It’s important we do what we can to help those who need it across the state. I’m proud we’re able to partner once again with the United Way and Good Neighbor Energy Fund to get that help into the hands of customers.”

The United Way branches of Massachusetts Bay and Central Massachusetts will each receive $125,000. The Cape and Islands branch will receive $115,000. The Good Neighbor Energy Fund will also receive $125,000. The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is sponsored by 19 energy companies in Massachusetts and administered by The Salvation Army.

“Even individuals who are working a stable job, keeping a budget, and trying to save are vulnerable to income disruptions and emergencies that can take years to recover from,” said Bob Giannino, President and CEO at United Way of Massachusetts Bay. “We’re proud to partner with National Grid and our network of community-based organizations to swiftly deploy resources this winter to help ensure families in crisis can meet their essential needs.”

“This donation is a lifeline of support; support for seniors and children, veterans and teens, families who are struggling. Places like the Worcester Community Action Council received thousands of applications for assistance every year,” said Tim Garvin, President and CEO of the United Way of Central Massachusetts. “The support of National Grid is both lifesaving and life-giving, and we at the United Way of Central Massachusetts treasure and celebrate the partnership we have with National Grid.”

“We are so grateful to National Grid for this impactful grant for the Cape & Islands residents,” said Mark Skala, President and CEO of Cape & Islands United Way. “The demand for fuel assistance has been steadily on the rise, and this will make an enormous difference in our community.”

“The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund appreciates the generous support of National Grid, one of the Fund’s energy sponsors, to help residents in temporary crisis who are not eligible for federal or state aid stay warm this winter,” said Marie McCabe, Chairwoman of the Fund’s 2023-24 campaign and Customer Service Representative for North Attleborough Electric. “The Salvation Army is seeing an increase in requests for energy assistance due to cold temperatures and high prices for necessities like food and rent, so this donation is coming at the perfect time.”

Customers in need of assistance can call 211, the free information and referral hotline operated by the United Way, which helps people find programs that support needs such as food, housing, and utility assistance. Customers considering applying for assistance can also learn which community action program is near them by visiting the Massachusetts Association for Community Action website. Applications for assistance opened in November and run through April 30, 2024. Customers can also contact the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund.

National Grid also offers its Customer Savings Events, where customers can meet with National Grid representatives in person to find out about opportunities to reduce energy use, sign up for balanced billing options, see if they qualify for energy bill discounts, and more. Customers can also visit the National Grid “Here to Help” website.

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.