Financial assistance programs and energy efficiency measures can help lower bills

BOSTON, Mass. (April 29, 2025) – Following the drastic spike in natural gas bills this winter driven in part by extreme and extensive cold that caused energy usage to skyrocket, Eversource is urging customers to take action now before the hot summer months to prevent another spike in energy use. Considering that most of a customer’s bill is based on usage, energy efficiency measures can lead to significant savings, and the energy company is encouraging customers to explore the many solutions available as well as financial assistance programs that can help them manage their monthly payments. On average, Massachusetts customers use approximately 30% more electricity during the summer months due to increased use of air conditioners, fans and other appliances to stay cool. Even if the upcoming adjustment to the Basic Service, or electric supply, on August 1 is a decrease, the increase in summer usage can still lead to higher bills for customers.

“We saw how challenging high energy bills were for our customers this past winter, and we’re here to help anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bill at any time of year with the variety of financial assistance programs and flexible payment plans we offer,” said Eversource Senior Vice President of Customer Operations, Digital Strategy and Chief Customer Officer Jared Lawrence (pictured). “Our customer care representatives are on the phone helping customers every day – explaining the variety of programs we offer that can help them manage their energy bill and reduce energy usage, and we urge all of our customers to reach out or visit Eversource.com/billhelp to learn which assistance program may best fit their needs.”

“Staying cool and comfortable at home during the hot summer months can get costly and we want to help customers avoid spikes in their energy bills – lowering energy usage through energy efficiency is the best way to do that,” said Eversource Director of Residential Energy Efficiency Kate Peters. “We encourage customers to take advantage of any and all energy efficiency measures, whether it’s signing up for a Home Energy Assessment, weatherizing your home, or shifting your schedule a bit so you’re operating major appliances during the cooler parts of the day. Some of the tips we offer may seem simple, but all of these small changes together can really make a big difference and result in a drop in your electric usage, which will be reflected in your bill.”

“We want to tout the near- and long-term benefits of energy efficiency, and the resources ABCD provides toward that goal,” said, ABCD President and CEO Sharon Scott-Chandler. “Our energy efficiency and carbon reduction solutions are key to supporting Boston and communities statewide who are facing high energy and fuel costs, as well as the impacts of climate change. Our work helps ensure that all people share the benefits of climate protection efforts.”

Things customers can do to manage energy usage this summer:

• Have a Home Energy Assessment and weatherize your home. Customers may receive no-cost air sealing and 75% or more off a recommended insulation project to keep their home cooler in the summer so the air conditioner works less and reduce energy use is reduced. Visit eversource.com/home-energy-assessment to learn more.
• Keep air conditioners set as warm as comfort allows. For every degree higher on the thermostat, the air conditioner will use 1–3% less electricity.
• Don’t block air flow. Keep air vents and heat pump vents clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains, and rugs. 
• Operate major appliances during the cooler parts of the day. Energy is conserved by using appliances that create heat, like clothes dryers and dishwashers, early in the morning or late in the evening. There is also less demand on the electric system during these times. 
• Keep blinds closed to prevent unwanted direct sunlight from entering a home through windows. Using curtains, shades, and blinds can lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.
• Switch to ENERGY STAR® certified LED lights. The energy-efficient bulbs run cooler and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lights.
• Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and at a higher speed in the summer to circulate the air more effectively, creating a cooling, wind chill effect. Remember to turn the fan off when leaving the room.

Help is available for customers who need it:

• The New Start Program can help income-eligible customers reduce or eliminate their outstanding balance in as little as 12 months when they make on-time monthly payments. Eversource will make up the difference by eliminating or forgiving a portion of the total balance enrolled in the program – reducing the amount owed each month.
• Flexible Payment Plans are available to all customers, regardless of income, to pay their past-due balance over a period of time.
• Budget Billing Plans are also available and can help customers avoid seasonal spikes on their energy bill by paying a fixed amount each month based on their average annual usage.
• A Discount Rate is available to customers receiving public assistance benefits and have a household income at or below 60% of the state median income. These customers may be eligible for up to a 42% discount on their monthly electric bill.
• The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a free resource offered by the state to help eligible homeowners and renters pay a portion of their winter heating bills. Customers can apply online at masscap.org/heatinghelpma.

Eversource encourages customers to enroll in one of its payment plans or assistance programs if they need help with their energy bill by visiting Eversource.com/BillHelp or calling 866-861-6225 (Eastern Massachusetts) or 877-963-2632 (Western Massachusetts).

Watch a recording of Eversource’s media briefing with ABCD.

Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is recognized as the #1 U.S. utility on TIME’s List of World’s Best Companies for 2024. Eversource transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas and supplies water to 2.1 million customers throughout Massachusetts, including approximately 1.49 million electric customers in 161 communities, 643,000 gas customers in 125 communities, and 11,500 water customers in five communities. Eversource harnesses the commitment of more than 10,000 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like a first-in-the-nation networked geothermal pilot project, solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.

CONTACT:
Kaitlyn Woods
(603) 860-2123
kaitlyn.woods@eversource.com