National Grid is set to bring a series of customer assistance events to Worcester as households brace for higher summer electricity bills and more demand from air conditioning use. The outreach is designed to help residents find ways to manage costs and connect with financial support options that may be available to eligible customers.
The utility said the events will give customers a chance to speak directly with representatives about payment plans, budget billing, discount programs and other forms of assistance. National Grid is also highlighting energy-saving tips and programs that can help reduce pressure on household budgets during the warmest months.
What Worcester customers can expect
National Grid said its customer assistance staff will provide information on summer energy-saving strategies, tiered discount rates, payment assistance programs and its arrears management program. The company is also offering guidance on how customers can better understand their bills and explore options that may help them stay current.
One focus will be the Payment Assistance Bundle, which combines a deferred payment agreement, automatic monthly payments and budget billing. National Grid said the bundle is intended to help customers handle past-due balances while spreading energy costs more evenly across the year.
The company said the effort comes as many households are still feeling the effects of high utility costs after another cold New England winter. That makes the summer months especially important for families trying to keep both cooling needs and monthly bills under control.
Scheduled events in Worcester
National Grid has three Worcester assistance events planned this month, each at a different local site. Residents can meet with representatives at the following locations and times:
- Thursday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Bernard’s Church Community Room, 236 Lincoln St.
- Friday, June 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at El Buen Samaritano, 39 Piedmont St.
- June 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Centro Inc., 11 Sycamore St.
The company encouraged residents to confirm event details before attending. National Grid also said more customer assistance events are planned across Central Massachusetts, including June 17 at the Uxbridge Senior Center and June 22 at WHEAT Community Connections in Clinton.
Tools for lowering summer energy use
Along with financial support, National Grid representatives will discuss practical ways to cut electricity use during hot weather. Suggested steps include adjusting thermostats, using fans with air conditioning, closing blinds during peak sunlight hours and scheduling home energy assessments.
The utility also said eligible customers may be able to access programs that help pay for insulation, air-sealing improvements and energy-saving equipment through Mass Save and other initiatives. Bill Malee, National Grid’s chief customer officer, said the company is taking “a proactive approach” to help customers stay cool and keep costs down during the summer season.
National Grid said residents can visit its customer assistance website to review available programs, check eligibility requirements and learn more about the support offered at these Worcester events.
Read more at: theworcesterguardian.org
