National Grid wants our customers to be ready for winter before the snow begins to pile up and cold temperatures set in. The company, in partnership with the town of Forestport, will hold a Customer Energy Savings Event on Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Forestport Town Hall, 10275 New York State Route 28.

“We are committed to helping all customers manage their energy costs and usage this winter, especially those customers facing financial hardships,” said Alberto Bianchetti, National Grid’s regional director for customer and external affairs. “These events in our communities provide a venue for us to work with so they may ask questions, learn about affordability options and access critical support and human services programs available to them.”

National Grid Consumer Advocates will be available to answer questions, discuss assistance programs and assist customers who want to:

• Learn about bill payment programs, including our Budget Billing Program
• Hear about energy assistance programs including our Energy Affordability Program
• Schedule energy audits
• Learn about weatherization and other low- and no-cost energy efficiency steps they can take

Additionally, a number of community organizations will be on hand to discuss their programs and services, including representatives from the Social Security Administration, New York State Office of Mental Health, Oneida County Department of Health, Catholic Charities of Herkimer County, and a number of local emergency response agencies. Upstate University Hospital will also have its mammography van at the event to provide exams for women; more information is available at Upstate’s website.

Customers attending the event who are interested in applying for the company’s Energy Assistance Program, which provides a monthly bill credit to those who qualify, should bring their current year award letter(s) for state and federal assistance programs, including HEAP, Lifeline Telephone Service Program, SNAP, Medicaid, Veterans Disability or Survivors Pension, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Child Health Plus, Utility Guarantee/Direct Vendor Programs, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and/or Safety Net Assistance. For those living on tribal lands, customers should bring current year award letter(s) for Bureau of Indian Affairs General, Assistance, Head Start, Tribal TANF, and Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.

The Customer Energy Savings Event is one component of National Grid’s year-round effort to help our customers find ways of conserving energy and saving money. The company is the first in New York State to establish targeted assistance programs to low-to-moderate income customers. These programs — the Hope & Warmth Energy Fund and Hearts Fighting Hunger emergency food assistance — are available to help families who are experiencing financial hardships, but just miss qualifying for the federally-funded Home Energy Assistance Program. These are households living on the edge of financial insecurity with an income that is above the federal poverty level, but below the basic cost of living.

National Grid remains committed to providing customers a variety of energy-saving tips and billing options to help offset the increases in this winter’s energy prices. Customers in need of billing assistance or additional support can visit ngrid.com/heretohelp to learn more. National Grid Consumer Advocates can be reached during regular businesses hours by calling 800-642-4272.

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.