Eversource (formerly Western Massachusetts Electric / NSTAR)

Rate Assistance

  • Discount Rate
    If you are currently eligible for fuel assistance, or are receiving one of the benefits listed below, you may also be eligible for Eversource's Discount Rate. Please note, eligibility for the Discount Rate isn't limited to these programs, as other means-tested public benefits are also eligible.

    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
    • Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC)
    • Food Stamps
    • Refugee Resettlement Benefits
    • MassHealth Basic and Standard
    • Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
    • Head Start
    • Free and Reduced School Lunch or Breakfast Program
    • Mass. Veterans Benefits (GLC. 115)
    • Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for Surviving Spouse or Parents of Veterans (Dependency Indemnity Compensation letter required)
    • Improved Veterans Disability Pension (Non-Service Connected Disability letter required)
    • WIC
    • Commonwealth Care Plan, Types 1, 2 or 2A
    • Health Safety Net Plan - Primary or Secondary (not partial)

    Please call (800-566-2080) or email us if you have any questions. Online application is available on Eversource's website.
    https://www.eversource.com/Content/ema-e/residential/programs-services/financial-assistance/discount-rate

  • New Start
    The New Start program can help eliminate outstanding balances in as little as 12 months. After making on-time monthly payments, Eversource will make up the difference. Call 866-315-2496 for more information.
    To qualify, a client must be a current Eversource residential customer; have an account balance over $100 that is at least 60 days overdue; have an income that falls at or below 60 percent of the estimated state median income; have applied for, and be eligible to receive, energy assistance funds, or be able to provide other proof of income; continue to pay monthly budget amount on-time each month; and make a “good faith” payment (varies by customer based on payment history.)

    • https://www.eversource.com/Content/ema-e/residential/programs-services/financial-assistance/nu-start

Low-Income Energy Efficiency

  • MassSAVE
    Energy efficiency specialists will answer your energy-saving questions and determine your eligibility for a Home Energy Assessment. The assessment includes an analysis of your home's energy use, advice for saving energy and rebate offers on recommended energy improvements. Call 800-632-8300 or visit www.masssave.com for more information.
  • Income Eligible Energy Efficiency
    If you currently receive Eversource's Discount Rate, you may be eligible for a free home energy consultation, which may include the installation of conservation measures such as lighting upgrades, insulation and sealing of air leaks and possibly a new refrigerator, freezer, heating system and/or window air conditioning unit if the existing appliance is determined to be eligible and inefficient. Your rate code and usage information appears on your Eversource bill. If you qualify and would like more information, please contact your local Community Action Agency or visit the Mass Save web site.
    https://www.eversource.com/Content/ema-e/residential/programs-services/financial-assistance/energy-efficiency-for-lower-income-customers

Emergency Charitable Assistance

Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.

Good Neighbor Energy Fund
Utilities and utility customers fund the Good Neighbor Energy Fund across Massachusetts. The Fund is available to any Massachusetts resident who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month's energy expense and is not eligible for state or federal energy assistance. Income must be within 60-80 percent of the State Median Income. Apply by contacting your local Salvation Army Service Center. If you do not see a Service Center in your local area, please call 339-502-5900. For more information on the fund and how to apply, visit your local Salvation Army Service Center, please call:
1-800-334-3047 (serving area codes 508, 617, 781 and 978) or
1-800-262-1320 (serving area code 413)
www.magoodneighbor.org/assistance.html

Community Energy Assistance Program (Millbury and Sutton)
Provides fuel assistance to households in Millbury and Sutton that meet federal guidelines for low-income individuals. For qualifying applicants, Millbury Savings Bank will pay $350 for oil, natural gas, or electric directly to the energy supplier. Last winter, more than 60 local families received assistance. To apply, or to determine if you are eligible, contact one of the program's coordinators:
Judith O'Connor
Millbury Senior Center
1 River Street
508-865-9247
OR
Michelle Edelstein
Sutton Senior Center
19 Hough Road
508-234-0703.

UniBank Fuel Assistance Fund
Funds may be available to Blackstone Valley residents who do not qualify under traditional income guidelines, to families who cannot afford the standard 100-gallon minimum delivery amount, or to those families who may have already reached their annual limit for fuel oil benefits. For more information on applying for a grant, contact the Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. by calling 508-754-1176. You may also apply in writing or in person at 484 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Worcester, MA 01608.