Energy & Utility Assistance Programs
- in Massachusetts -

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Click on a program name for more information:

Energy assistance programs in Massachusetts help low-income residents pay for heating fuel and other utilities. Government programs help pay for fuel, weatherization, and heating system repairs. In addition, low-income Massachusetts customers can get utility discounts, utility shutoff protection, and help from non-government programs.

LIHEAP Fuel Assistance

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), usually called fuel assistance, helps low-income families pay their heating bills. Eligibility is based on gross household income. Use the online Fuel Assistance Eligibility Check to see if you might qualify for benefits.

Citizens Energy Heat Assistance

Citizens Energy heat assistance programs help people who cannot afford to pay their heating bills. The Oil Heat Program gives each eligible household a voucher for 100 free gallons of home heating oil. The Citizens Energy/Distrigas Heat Assistance Program gives a $150 utility bill credit to eligible households who heat with natural gas.

Good Neighbor Energy Fund

The Good Neighbor Energy Fund helps people in need pay for their winter heating fuel and other energy bills. The Fund is for people who are facing a short-term financial crisis and do not qualify for government fuel assistance programs.

Local Emergency Fuel Assistance

Local emergency fuel assistance programs help area residents who are facing a fuel emergency and do not qualify for other fuel programs, or have used up their other fuel benefits. Programs are run by city-town governments, religious groups, and other local nonprofit organizations.

Weatherization Assistance

Massachusetts homeowners and renters who get LIHEAP fuel assistance, SSI, or TAFDC can have their homes weatherized for free through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). After weatherization, homes are easier to heat, and fuel bills are lower.

Utility and Telephone Discounts

Massachusetts gas, electric, and telephone companies offer reduced rates to low-income customers who receive public assistance benefits and meet income limits. Eligible customers get a 20% to 40% discount on their gas and electric rates, and can choose between discounted local landline telephone service, or free cell phone service. Utility companies enroll eligible customers automatically, or customers can apply directly to their Utility Companies.

Utility Shutoff Protection

Massachusetts laws prevent utility companies from shutting off service to eligible households. Eligible households include senior households, low-income families with infants, and people with serious illnesses who cannot afford to pay their utility bills. During the winter months, utility companies cannot shut off heating-related utilities for households with a financial hardship.

Utility Arrearage Programs

Utility arrearage programs help families pay overdue utility bills. Utility arrearage programs also help families prevent utility shutoffs or restore utility service that has already been shut off. The programs offer payment plans, debt forgiveness, or a combination of the two. Utility arrearage programs in Massachusetts include Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), utility payment plans, and utility company Arrearage Management Programs (AMPs).

Utilities Directory

Directory of Massachusetts regulated utility companies, including customer service telephone numbers and links to more information about discount rates, shutoff protection, arrearage programs, and energy saving programs.

MassSave

MassSave is an energy savings program for Massachusetts homeowners and renters. MassSave offers energy tips and information about free home energy assessments, energy-saving products, and loans, rebates, and other incentives for energy-saving home improvements.

Appliance Rebate Program

Update: This program is closed. Applications are no longer being accepted. The 2011 Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program is a money-saving program for Massachusetts residents who buy new energy efficient refrigerators or room air conditioners to replace old inefficient ones. Purchases must be made on or after July 28, 2011.