Heating Help In MA: State Opens Applications With Big Rate Hikes Near

MASSACHUSETTS — With big natural gas and electricity rate hikes on the horizon, Massachusetts residents can now begin applying for home heating assistance for the 2023-23 winter season.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is open to renters and homeowners whose households earn below certain thresholds. Each household may be eligible for assistance up to $1,000.

Residents interested in seeing if they qualify can visit the website www.heatinghelpMA.org to apply. Heating assistance is provided through local agencies and overseen by the state Department of Housing and Community Development.

Eversource, the main natural gas provider in Massachusetts, has announced plans to hike rates up to 38 percent this winter. Meanwhile, National Grid wants to boost its electricity delivery rate from last winter's 14.82 cents per kilowatt-hour rate to 33.89 cents this winter.

RELATED: Big Utility Hikes Coming To MA This Winter: National Grid, Eversource

"We encourage anyone who may need assistance paying their winter heating bills to explore their eligibility, and we ask others who know loved ones or neighbors who could benefit from this free resource to apply, as well. No one should have to worry about their ability to access adequate heating." DHCD undersecretary Jennifer Maddox said this week.

The home heating assistance program covers the period Nov. 1 to April 28, 2023.