Community Partners Come Together to Review Winter Heating Assistance Programs

Unitil Corporation (Unitil.com), which provides gas, electricity, and water to customers across New England, is encouraging homeowners and renters to take advantage of available winter heating programs to help lower heating costs this winter.

This message was shared yesterday at Great Wolf Lodge with nonprofit and community leaders at the 26th Annual Energy Assistance Forum, sponsored by Unitil and co-hosted by the United Way of North Central Massachusetts and Making Opportunity Count.

The forum aimed to give frontline nonprofit organizations the tools and information they need to connect residents with programs that help manage heating costs this winter.

"As we head into the winter heating season, we want residents to know what resources are available and how to access them." said Unitil's External Affairs Manager Amanda Vicinanzo. "Bringing our community partners together allows us to share important resources, strengthen connections, and ensure that individuals and families who need assistance know where to turn."

Unitil's Credit and Collection Manager Justin Stearns shared new tiered discount rates for eligible customers, offering up to 95% off total monthly natural gas charges and up to 91% off electric service for income-eligible residential customers during the winter months. A full breakdown of the new tiered rate program is available at unitil.com.

"This is a substantial change, and it will provide urgently needed relief for both eligible homeowners and renters," said Stearns.

Customers with heat pumps also have an opportunity for savings this winter. Unitil shared information on a new heat pump rate that begins on Nov. 1. The anticipated savings are considerable. Homeowners who enroll will see about a 64% reduction in their electric distribution and transmission charges, roughly a 34% reduction in total delivery charges from November through April. During the last winter heating season, customers saved an estimated $375 through the reduced distribution rate compared to the standard residential rate.

Stearns also highlighted the company's budget billing program, which makes monthly utility bills more affordable by spreading energy costs evenly across the year.

Another option for eligible Unitil customers is the Arrearage Management Program, which provides up to $4,800 in relief per service, per year on their outstanding balances. In addition, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides a one-time $400 payment for heating assistance when the household income is between 60 and 80% of the state median.

Edward Campbell, quality assurance coordinator for MOC, provided an overview of the federal Home Energy Assistance Program (Federal Fuel Assistance), which is available to all residents who heat by natural gas, electric, oil, propane, and kerosene.

This year, a family of four with an income of $103,049 or less will be eligible for assistance. For a single person, the threshold is $53,585. The one-time benefit for delivered fuels is between $870 and $1,450, and the benefit for natural gas and electric heat is between $600 and $1,000; the exact amount depends on income and housing type. Applications opened on Nov 1.

MOC also offers other programs for those who qualify, including households with less than one-eighth of their heating oil tank and at risk of running out; those who have received a termination notice from their utility; and emergency heating system repair or replacement.

Energy efficiency programs were also a key topic at the forum. Kevin Parse, Energy Efficiency Programs Coordinator at Unitil, reviewed Mass Save® energy efficiency programs, including income-based options that provide no-cost or discounted energy efficiency services. He noted that Fitchburg is a Designated Equity Community identified to receive prioritized support, including streamlined access to Mass Save programs that provide enhanced benefits for homes not previously weatherized. Those who qualify receive 100% off weatherization upgrades, including insulation and air sealing.

Parse encouraged residents to visit MassSave.com to complete easy, no-cost income verification online or call 1-866-537-SAVE (7267) to learn more. For more information on qualifying for the Income Eligible Program, homeowners and renters should contact MOC in Fitchburg.

Photo Caption:

Kory Eng, president and CEO of United Way of North Central Massachusetts, welcomes more than 70 nonprofit and community leaders to the annual heating forum, where they share heating assistance resources available to the community.