National Grid, Foundation Energy Affordability Assistance for Seniors, Families in Need
WALTHAM, Mass.— National Grid and the National Grid Foundation today announced a $5 million statewide initiative to provide affordability assistance for Massachusetts customers over the next two years.
The funds will be administered by community partners and will help seniors and income-eligible households manage energy costs and improve energy affordability through new resources, enhanced community outreach, and weatherization services. The efforts will:
- Provide up to $400 in emergency energy bill assistance for Massachusetts households that fall outside state aid eligibility.
- Drive enrollment in energy affordability programs through increased community outreach to seniors and income-eligible populations.
- Fund targeted initiatives through weatherization and preventive strategies to reduce long-term energy insecurity.
Over the next two years, National Grid and the National Grid Foundation will work with several community organizations, including local United Way affiliates, The Good Neighbor Energy Fund administered by the Salvation Army, and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation to deploy community programs that will help households with winter energy costs. In addition, the Foundation will convene a cohort of community-based organizations to co-design best-practice approaches for outreach and innovative initiatives focused on energy affordability to increase enrollment in heating assistance programs such as National Grid's discount rate, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, and related partner offerings for hard-to-reach, energy-burdened communities.
Initiative Highlights include:
United Way Central Massachusetts, Massachusetts Bay, and affiliates
In early 2026, partners will meet with nonprofit networks to establish engagement plans for the highest energy burdened municipalities in Massachusetts. Across the remainder of this heating season, United Way partners will help seniors and income-eligible households enroll in discounted rates, arrearage forgiveness, and budget billing plans and will share information through community events, senior centers, immigrant networks, and local partner organizations.
Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund (Salvation Army of Massachusetts)
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund will continue to support eligible residents throughout the 2026 heating season. The program provides up to $400 per season for households with incomes between 60 percent and 80 percent of the state median income, with payments made directly to utility providers to ensure timely support during the winter months.
Greater Worcester Community Foundation
The Greater Worcester Community Foundation will begin work in 2026 to expand access to weatherization services and energy assistance enrollment for Worcester County families. Activities will include outreach to homeowners and renters, with a particular focus on those who fall outside Mass Save requirements. Throughout the year, the Foundation will coordinate with municipalities across Worcester County and support organizations such as libraries, senior centers, and Meals on Wheels providers to assist residents, including renters, in enrolling in available assistance programs.
Co-design Partners
Recognizing that lack of awareness and program access are major barriers for energy-burdened communities, the National Grid Foundation will partner with trusted community organizations to develop targeted, grassroots initiatives addressing complex energy affordability needs across Massachusetts. Through an iterative process, partners will identify best practices for engaging these communities and connecting them to support programs. Based on these insights, they will design initiatives to improve outreach and access to services for income-eligible customers.
Additional Customer Assistance Resources
Customers can learn about additional affordability programs including opportunities to reduce energy use, discount rate programs, balanced billing and other resources at National Grid's "Here to Help" website. Customers can also attend Customer Assistance Events, where they can meet with National Grid representatives for personalized support.
