Massachusetts offers even greater energy and cost savings opportunities for families who are income eligible, or low income.
How do I know if I can access these income eligible programs?
Households whose annual income is less than 60% of the state median income can access even stronger energy and cost savings benefits. There are two ways to know if you likely qualify:
1) If you already participate in income eligible state or federal programs, like those listed below on the left, chances are you can also access the income eligible energy programs.
2) If you do not already receive benefits from the programs on the left, you can still qualify for the income eligible energy programs if your household earnings are less than 60% of the state median income. Check the chart below on the right to see if your household qualifies. Find the total number of people living in your household on the chart. If your collective annual income is less than the corresponding number on the right, you should qualify for income eligible programs.
What energy programs are available to income eligible households and how do I apply?
Reduced Electric Rate (R-2 rate) and Discounted Gas Rate - offered year-round Eversource, National Grid, and Berkshire Gas all offer reduced electric and gas rates for income eligible customers. These give you discounted rates on your monthly electric and/or gas bills year round.
Each of these companies uses your participation in other state and federal income qualified programs (listed in the table to the left above) to determine your eligibility.
If you are not receiving benefits from these other programs, you still may be able to get the Reduced Electric and Gas Rates by going through the income verification process with your local Community Action Program (CAP) agency. Call your local agency to get started. Be sure to ask them about the Reduced Electric Rate, the Reduced Gas Rate and the additional benefits below.
To see if you are already on the discounted rates, look at your utility bills. The rate should be listed in the Delivery Charges section of the bill. Below is an example of an Eversource electric bill from a customer who is on the Reduced Electric Rate (R-2 rate):
Energy Conservation Services If you live in a building with 1-4 units, you can access income eligible energy conservation programs. These are administered by your local Community Action Program (CAP) agency and typically include services such as:
Weatherization - attic and wall insulation, air sealing and weather stripping at no cost
Heating system repairs and replacements - heating systems repairs, replacements and tune ups
Electrical appliance audits - high efficiency light bulbs and water saving fixtures, and possibly a new refrigerator, freezer, window air conditioner, dehumidifier, and front loading washer, if existing appliances use too much energy.
Some of these services are available just to building owners and others are available to owners and tenants. To learn more, call your local Community Action Program (CAP) agency. Be sure to ask them about all the benefits on this page.
Energy Conservation Programs for other residents If you discover you are not eligible for these income eligible energy-savings programs because your household income is too high, we here at All In Energy can help you schedule a no-cost home energy assessment through the statewide Mass Save® program to connect you to many similar benefits. Learn more here.
If you live in a building with 5+ units, and are income qualified, your landlord or property manager can request energy-saving services through the LEAN Multi-family Program here.
If you live in a building with 5+ units and are not income qualified, your landlord or property owner can access energy-saving benefits through the Mass Save Multi-Family Program here.
Fuel Assistance - available November - April Fuel Assistance (officially called Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP) helps you pay the cost of your heat during the winter. Your local Community Action Program (CAP) agency can help you get connected to this program.Learn more and find your local CAP agency here. When you contact your CAP agency, be sure to ask them about all the other benefits on this page, as they can help you connect to all of them.
Energy Bill Payment Assistance Eversource, National Grid, and Berkshire Gas all provide support in paying back overdue utility bills. This includes payment plans and utility bill debt forgiveness programs for income eligible customers.
Bill Payment Support for other residents If you do not qualify for the income-eligible programs, but need assistance paying an overdue utility bill, National Grid, Eversource and Columbia Gas all have bill payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of your overdue bills over months to help you pay it back. Learn more about each utilities' programs:
What renewable energy options are available to income qualified households? We are working with a number of community solar companies to make more community solar projects accessible for income qualified residents. When you sign up as a participant in a community solar farm, you to support renewable energy development in Massachusetts, while saving money on your electricity bills.
If you are interested in learning more about income eligible community solar options, please contact us.
If you are not qualified for income eligible programs, but are still interested in community solar,check out this page to learn about existing community solar options that may be available to you.
If you are having trouble connecting with any of the agencies listed on this page and need additional assistance, please contact us and we will do our best to help.
