Massachusetts Pays Energy Bills

Whoa…tap the breaks!!! Forgive my hype, but this is 100% true! Massachusetts pays energy bills!

Just In Time!

If you haven’t seen the story, our electric bills will skyrocket 64% starting NOW. According to NBC 10:

After a summer plagued by high gas prices, it doesn’t appear that consumers will get relief for the winter as National Grid and Eversource raise energy prices.

National Grid’s winter energy price hikes that go into effect Tuesday mean that the average monthly electric bill will go up by 64% and the average monthly natural gas bill will increase by 24%.

I am actually installing SOLAR panels NEXT WEEK. I’m told that once the system is up and running, the electricity generated by mother nature will eliminate my electric bill. Stay tuned!

Where Does Massachusetts Average Monthly Electric Bill Rank?

As of now, across America, we rank in the middle-high end of the pack: (depending of course on home and family size) Utah is the lowest, Hawaii is the highest.

• What You Need

  Apply for home heating and energy assistance:

  Homeowners and renters, including households whose cost of heat is included in the rent, can apply in person at the agency in their area or through the online application.

  Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member, 18 years of age or older.

  Household income cannot exceed 60% of estimated State Median Income

  This program provides assistance through a fixed benefit amount for the cost of the primary source of heat with includes, but is not limited to: Oil, Electricity, Natural gas, Propane, Kerosene, Wood, and Coal.

  If eligible, discounts are automatically given on:

  • electric bills for investor-owned electric utilities
  • gas bills for investor-owned gas utilities
  • telephone bills

  Payments for actual usage or fuel delivery are made directly to the heating vendor for primary energy needs from November 1st to April 30th.

• Eligibility/Selection Criteria

  • There are a variety of factors that impact the eligibility of a household.
  • Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member, 18 years of age or older.
  • Household income cannot exceed 60% of estimated State Median Income
  • Please contact the local fuel assistance agency for detailed information on criteria used for eligibility.
  • Housing subsidies will also determine the specific benefit level.

• NO Fees

  The program is 100% free for those who qualify. Beware of scams by people charging an “application fee” to help submit an application.

• How Do I Apply?

  You can apply online using the online application.

• Can I Apply In Person?

  The online application opened on October 1 for the upcoming heating season (November 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023). You can apply online, in person at the LIHEAP agency in your area, or by mail. Use the LIHEAP portal to find your agency or start the application. Households must apply each year.

  • First time applicants must participate in an intake appointment, to get started please submit an online application or contact your local agency.
  • Applications are mailed to households after the first year and can be renewed online, in person, or by mail.
  • Applicants who are denied assistance have the right to appeal the decision through their local home energy assistance agency.  ​​​​​​​

  • You may also take a look at the Cold Relief Brochure

• Needed Documents

  As part of the application process, please be prepared to share necessary information, including but not limited to:

  • photo identification for the head of household or primary applicant (e.g. driver’s license)
  • a list of all household members
  • information on your heating bills (e.g. heating company name and account number)
  • information on your housing situation (e.g. an active lease or mortgage statement
  • proof of income for 30 days prior to application date (e.g. wages, pension)

• Contact Information

  Main Office

  100 Cambridge St, Suite 300, Boston, MA 02114

  Directions 

   Phone

  Main Office Call DHCD Contact, Main Office at(617) 573-1100

  Please listen for phone menu options for DHCD divisions

  TTY Call DHCD Contact, TTY at(617) 573-1140

   Online

  DHCD on Mass.gov 

• Related Programs

  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program 
  • Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) 
  • Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HEARTWAP)