Amid looming energy bill hikes this winter, National Grid is promoting several programs through its Winter Customer Savings Initiative to help customers lower their energy bills.
On Nov. 1, National Grid will increase its electric bills by more than 60% from last winter to this upcoming winter. The company will also raise its heating bills to its Boston Gas and Colonial Gas customers. The typical Boston Gas heating customer will see their bill go up from $228 to $278. Meanwhile, the typical Colonial Gas residential heating customer will see their bill rise from $194 to $241.
National Grid customers enrolled in an eligible benefit program or the Home Energy Assistance Program can get a 32% discount on their electric bills and a 25% discount on their gas bills.
HEAP, is a federally funded program that helps income-eligible families pay their energy bills.
National Grid customers can see if they qualify or sign-up here.
National Grid customers who’d like to save money on their heating bills could save at least 75% off approved installation and no-cost targeted air sealing with No-Cost Home Energy Assessments. Customers can choose to either have a virtual or in-person assessment of their home with an energy specialist. The energy specialist is then able to create a custom energy plan for the occupants of said home.
The Forgiveness Program
Income-eligible customers can also apply for the Forgiveness Program if they have a balance that is at least $300 and is overdue by more than 60 days. Through this program, National Grid will determine a customer’s monthly bill based on their energy usage. If a customer makes these payments on time, then their past overdue bills would be forgiven for a maximum of $12,000 per year.
“For example, say your past due balance is $1,200 and we set a budget amount of $150 per month. For every month that a required $150 budget payment is made towards the current bill, National Grid will reduce your past-due balance by $100 – calculated as $1,200 ÷ 12 = $100,” the company stated.
More Time To Pay Program
Customers who are neither income-eligible or don’t qualify for the Forgiveness program can apply for the More Time to Pay program. The program has two arrangements. The Collection Arrangement allows a customer’s bill is split into two installments. The due dates for the two installments are made during the enrollment, a final installment must be made within 42 days of sign-up.
Meanwhile, the Payment Agreement where the customer puts a 50% down payment on their bill, and two additional monthly installments will be added toward their future bills. These payments are due each month.
Winter Assistance Program
This season National Grid will be hosting energy fairs where representatives from the company along with other rental assistance organizations will be present to help residents save money. According to their website the fairs will be held on:
- 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
The rising energy bills are a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Western-imposed sanctions on Russia have prompted the country to retaliate by cutting off its natural supply of natural gas. With a limited supply of natural gas, demand has risen, thus driving up energy prices.
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