2005 Fuel and Energy Assistance Information for Our Member’s States There are several programs in New England to help low-income families and individuals pay for their heating fuel and other utilities. Government help is available to pay for fuel, weatherization, and heating system repairs. In addition, low-income customers in some states can get utility discounts, utility shutoff protection, and help from non-government programs. FUEL ASSISTANCE (LIHEAP): What is fuel assistance? The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), usually called fuel assistance, helps low-income families pay their heating bills during the winter. Eligibility is based on gross household income. The program is for homeowners and renters. Most fuel assistance households also qualify for weatherization, utility discounts, and emergency furnace repairs for homeowners. Am I eligible? Fuel assistance is for low-income tenants and homeowners, and eligibility is based on your household's gross annual income. If you rent, you may receive fuel assistance even if your heat is included in the rent. What benefits will I get? The amount of fuel assistance you will get depends on your income, your heating costs, and the government fuel assistance budget. Benefits range from $359 to $527 for the 2004-2005 heating season. Some households qualify for extra help if their heating bills last year were very high. You may also be eligible for weatherization services and heating system repairs. In addition, most gas, electric, and telephone companies give discount rates to people receiving fuel assistance. How do I apply? You should call the agency in charge of the fuel assistance program in your area. MASSACHUSETTS (Program dates run November 1–April 30): Federal: 1-800-632-8175 www.mass.gov/dhcd/components/cs/ 1PrgApps/ LIHEAP/default.HTM Local: www.massdhch.com/fuel/fa.asp MAINE (Program dates run October 1–April 30): LIHEAP Income Eligibility Levels: 150% Federal Poverty Level; 55% State Median Income (elderly over 60, children under 2, or persons susceptible to hypothermia with medical documentation) Federal: 1-800-452-4668 www.mainehousing.org/liheap.html or www.bundlemeup.org Local: www.mainehousing.org/liheap.html Winter Heating Helpline Website: www.winterheating.com NEW HAMPSHIRE (Program dates run October 1-April 30; July 1-April 30 for elderly and disabled): LIHEAP Income Eligibility Levels: 185% Federal Poverty Level Federal: nh.gov/oep/programs/fuelassistance/index.htm Local: nh.gov/oep/programs/fuelassistance/contact.htm RHODE ISLAND (Program dates run October 1 - April 30): LIHEAP Income Eligibility Levels: 60% State Median Income Federal: 401-222-3003 or 401-222-6920 Local: www.riseo.state.ri.us/programs/pdf/served2005.pdf How do I use my benefits? Once you are found eligible for fuel assistance, your local fuel assistance agency will notify your heating company. The agency will pay your fuel assistance benefit directly to your heating company, unless your heat is included in your rent. You must pay any part of your heating costs not covered by fuel assistance. If you are eligible for weatherization, emergency furnace repair, or utility discounts, your fuel assistance agency will explain how to get these benefits. OTHER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (BY STATE): Massachusetts: Citizens Energy Oil: The Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program offers half-price heating oil to low-income families and the elderly. Each eligible household is allowed a one-time delivery of up to 175 gallons of home heating oil at half price per heating season. The Oil Heat Program is a joint effort between Citizens Energy Corporation and Massachusetts fuel oil dealers. Am I eligible? You are eligible for the Oil Heat Program if you have a financial hardship and are not getting help with heating bills from another program. There are no strict income limits and no citizenship requirements. You do not need proof of immigration status. You must meet these requirements to be eligible: *You are facing a financial hardship. *You are not eligible for Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) or you have used up your LIHEAP benefits. *You heat with oil. *You are a resident of Massachusetts. *You have not bought fuel oil from Citizens Energy during this heating season. What benefits will I get? You will be allowed to buy a one-time delivery of home heating oil at half the retail price. You may buy up to 175 gallons of oil. You must pay cash on delivery when the oil dealer delivers your fuel. The Oil Heat Program operates from mid-December through mid-March. How do I apply? You may apply for the Oil Heat Program at your local fuel assistance agency. For the name, address, and phone number of your fuel assistance agency, contact Citizens Energy by calling their toll-free number 1-877-JOE-4-OIL (1-877-563-4645). You will be asked to complete a brief telephone application. You can also visit www.citizensenergy.com. Good Neighbor Energy Fund: The Good Neighbor Energy Fund helps people in need pay for their winter heating fuel and other energy bills. The Fund is for people who are facing a short-term financial crisis and do not qualify for other fuel assistance programs. It is a joint effort between the gas and electric utility companies and The Salvation Army. Money for the fund comes from the utility companies, donations from utility customers and businesses, and other charitable donors. Am I eligible? You can get help from the Good Neighbor Energy Fund if you are in financial need and do not qualify for government energy assistance programs. The Fund most often helps families or individuals facing an unexpected short-term financial crisis. Your immigration status does not matter for this program. You must meet these requirements to be eligible: *You are facing a temporary financial crisis that makes you unable to pay your energy bills. *You are not eligible for government energy assistance programs. *You are a resident of Massachusetts. *Your household's gross income is between 200% and 275% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). For a family of four: between $38,700 and $53,213; a family of five: between $45,220 and $62,178; a family of six: between $51,740 and $71,143; a family of seven: between $58, 260 and $80,108; and a family of eight: between $64,780 and $89,073. Over eight, call the Salvation Army for income limits. What benefits will I get? The maximum amount you can get from the Fund is $275 per household per heating season. The Salvation Army begins a new fund campaign each November, and money is given out starting in December. Help is given year- round, until funds run out. How do I apply? To apply, call the Salvation Army closest to you. You may also call the Salvation Army toll-free at 1-800-334-3047 (in area codes 617, 508, 781, 978) or 1-800-262-1320 (in area code 413) for more information. Also, visit www.magoodneighbor.org. Utility Discounts Massachusetts gas, electric, and telephone companies offer reduced rates to low-income customers who receive public assistance benefits and meet income limits. Eligible customers get a 20% to 40% discount on their gas and electric rates, and a discount on basic local telephone service and installation. Utility companies enroll eligible customers automatically, or customers can apply directly to their utility companies. What are utility discounts? Utility discounts are lower rates charged to low-income customers for gas, electricity, and telephone service. Massachusetts law requires regulated utility companies to offer discounted rates to customers who receive public assistance benefits and meet income limits. Customers with low-income rates get the same level of service as customers paying the standard rate. Note: Municipal utility companies that are publicly owned do not have to offer discount rates. Am I eligible? To qualify for utility discounts: The utility bill must be in the name of the person getting public assistance. Your household income must be within the income limits (175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines) You must be receiving one or more of the following public assistance benefits: *EAEDC *Food Stamps *Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) *Head Start *MassHealth/Medicaid *Public or subsidized housing *School Breakfast/Lunch Program (free) *SSI *TAFDC *Veterans' Services *Veterans Non-Service Pension/DIC *You must be a residential customer. What are the income limits? For most utility discount programs, households must have a gross annual income that is no greater than 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). For a family of four: under $33,863; a family of five: under $39,568; a family of six: under $45,273; a family of seven: under $50,978; a family of eight: under $56,683. Add $5,705 to the income limit for each additional family member. Note: Because fuel assistance (LIHEAP) uses an income limit of 200% of the FPG, not all fuel assistance households qualify for utility discounts. What benefits will I get? You will get lower rates for your gas, electric, and basic telephone service. For gas and electricity, the discounts range from 20 to 35% off the standard residential rate, depending on which utility company you use. For telephone service, you will be eligible for Lifeline and Link-up discounts. Lifeline offers telephone customers a discounted rate on their basic local monthly telephone bill. The Lifeline discount does not apply to long distance charges or cell phone service. Verizon Lifeline customers get a discount up to $18.39 off their monthly bill for local flat rate or measured service. In addition, toll-blocking is offered free of charge. Link-up pays half of the cost of phone installation, up to a maximum of $30. It does not cover the cost of wiring inside your home. Getting discount utility rates does not affect your eligibility for other assistance programs. How do I apply? There are several ways to apply for utility discounts: Automatic enrollment: If you get benefits from certain public assistance programs, your utility company should automatically enroll you in its utility discount program. Some benefit programs, including fuel assistance, do not offer automatic enrollment. Automatic enrollment works like this: *The utility companies give their customer information to the DTA *The DTA matches this information against the names of public assistance recipients *The DTA tells the utility companies which customers qualify for discount rates *The utility companies automatically enroll these customers in their discount rate programs. *The utility companies notify customers that they have been enrolled, give them information about the low-income rate program, and let them withdraw from the discount program if they choose. If you are getting public benefits, check your utility bill or call your utility company to make sure you are getting the discount rate. If you have not been automatically enrolled, you can apply directly to your utility company. If you are a utility customer and do not want your information given to the DTA for automatic enrollment, you should notify your utility company that you want your name removed from the shared list. Otherwise your name will be included on the list given to the DTA Fuel assistance clients: If you get fuel assistance (LIHEAP) but do not get other public benefits, your fuel assistance agency will notify your utility companies if you qualify for the discount rate. Most, but not all, fuel assistance households qualify for utility discounts. In some cases, the income limits for fuel assistance are higher than the income limits for utility discounts. Applying directly: You may also apply directly to your utility companies for their discount rate programs. Some utility companies have online applications, or you can call and have an application sent to you. Look on your bill for the Customer Service number. You may also call the Department of Telecommunications and Energy (DTE) toll-free at 1-800-392-6066. The DTE is the Massachusetts agency that regulates gas, electric, and telephone companies. The discount rate is given for one year and must be renewed. Renewal is automatic if you continue to get public benefits that use automatic enrollment. If you apply for fuel assistance each year, your fuel assistance agency will help you. Otherwise you must reapply on your own. If you stop getting public benefits, you must notify the utility company that you no longer qualify for the discount rate. Useful links Help with Your Winter Heating Bill: http://www.mass.gov/dte/consumer/fuel_assistance.htm#Am%20I%20eligible%20for%20a%20discount%20rate From the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy, information about discount rates, shut-off protection, fuel assistance programs, and home energy conservation. Legal Tactics: Tenants' Rights in Massachusetts: www.masslegalhelp.org/cat/1943 From the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, a handbook about tenants' rights in private housing. Chapter 6 - Utilities (requires Adobe Reader) (http://www.masslegalhelp.org/docs/06.Utilities-FINAL.pdf) has excellent information about utility service, shut-off protection, termination of service, discount rates, help paying your bills, and common problems. Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 164, Section 1F: http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/164-1f.htm Massachusetts laws about utility discount rates, including eligibility requirements, automatic enrollment, funding, and outreach. Check out www.massresources.com for more information and tips. Low-Income Rate Assistance NSTAR: R2 Discount Rate Discount rate for customers who receive certain government means-tested benefits or qualify for fuel assistance. Call 800-592-2000 or visit www.nstaronline.com/your_home/financial_assistance_programs.htm KeySpan Energy Delivery (Boston, Essex & Colonial Gas Companies) You may receive a discount if you are a low-income residential customer and participate in the following public assistance programs: SSI, AFDC, Medicaid, E.A.E.D.C., Food Stamps, Refugee Resettlement, Fuel Assistance or Massachusetts Veterans Service Benefits (G.L.C. 115). Visit www.keyspanenergy.com/customer/saving/. KeySpan Energy Delivery: On Track On Track works with 350 low-income 1-2 family heating customers, who are receiving public assistance, to help them resolve financial difficulties. Each participant receives a financial and energy home study kit that includes audio tapes and work books and individualized customer services tools like: household financial analysis, how to develop an affordable payment plan for past due and future bills, information referrals to financial assistance programs, assistance with applications for government and non-profit benefits and support groups. Many customers also become eligible for bill forgiveness up to $400. Call 1-800-503-5172 or visit www.keyspanenergy.com/customer/saving/. Massachusetts Electric Monthly discount for customers with income at or below 175% FPG and who receive assistance from certain public benefit programs. Call 1-800-322-3223 or visit www.nationalgridus.com/masselectric/home/rates/4_lowincome.asp to download an application. Nantucket Electric Monthly discount for customers with income at or below 175% FPG and who receive assistance from certain public benefit programs. Call 1-800-322-3223 or visit www.nationalgridus.com/nantucket/home/rates/4_lowincome.asp to download an application. Western Massachusetts Electric: Residential Discount Rate Discount rate for income-eligible residential customers who participate in certain state and federal assistance programs and whose income falls within 175% of federal poverty guidelines as listed on the current Residential Discount Rate Application form. Call 413-781-4300 (Springfield), 1-800-286-2000, or visit www.wmeco.com/community/media/low.asp. Bay State Gas Discounted gas rates are available to most customers receiving public assistance benefits. For more info, in Southeast MA, call 1-800-882-5454; Merrimack Valley, 978-687-1663; Springfield, 413-731-7668; Northampton, 413-586-7298; or visit www.baystategas.com/custserv/resfaq.htm#res6. Berkshire Gas: Discounted Residential Rates Discounted non-heating and heating delivery charges are available to low-income customers who qualify for any means-tested public assistance programs or LIHEAP and household income is at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. Call 1-800-292-5012 or visit www.berkshiregas.com/sets/customer_information.html. Essex County Gas Company Twenty percent discount. Residential heating rate will change from R-03 to R-04. Secondary users (non-heat) will change from R-01 to R-02. Unitil/Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company Discount Rate Program for residential customers who qualify for any means-tested public assistance programs and household income is at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. Call 1-888-301-7700 or visit http://services.unitil.com/fge/residential_discount_rate.asp. Littleton Electric Light Department:Senior Citizen and Disabled Customer Discounts The base customer charge is waived for senior citizens (age 62 and over) and handicapped persons. Call 978-486-3104 or visit www.lelwd.com/leld/products.html. North Attleborough Electric Department: Residential Assistance A 5 Discount rate available upon verification of a customer’s receipt of any means tested public benefit, or verification of eligibility for the low income home energy assistance program, or its successor program, for which eligibility does not exceed 175 percent of the federal poverty level based upon a household’s gross income. Call 508-643-6300, 1-800-394-2662 or visit www.naelectric.com/pdfs/ratesheets/Rate_A5.pdf. Utility Shutoff Protection Massachusetts laws prevent utility companies from shutting off service to households in special situations. These include senior households, low-income families with infants, and people with serious illnesses who cannot afford to pay their utility bills. During the winter months, utility companies cannot shut off heating-related utilities for households with a financial hardship. Am I eligible? Senior households, low-income families with infants, people with serious illnesses who cannot afford to pay their utility bills, tenants whose landlords are responsible for utility bills, and low-income people who would be without heat during the winter are eligible for shutoff protection. What benefits will I get? Utility companies cannot shut off service to households that qualify for shutoff protection. During the winter months, utilities cannot shut off service to low-income households if those households would be left without heat. How do I apply? You should call your utility company to register for shutoff protection. For the customer service number of your gas or electric company, see the Massachusetts DTE Question/Complaint Assistant (http://www.state.ma.us/dte/news/city.htm) for a listing of utility companies (with phone numbers) by city/town. If you need more information or have questions about your rights, call the Department of Telecommunications and Energy (DTE) at 1-800-392-6066. Low-Income Energy Efficiency Customers of Massachusetts regulated electric and gas companies who receive the low-income discount rate may also be eligible for free energy efficiency services that may include energy audits, electric baseload measures, appliance efficiency services, attic and wall insulation, air sealing and heating system replacement. Contact your local Community Action agencies or call 1-800-632-8175. KeySpan Energy Delivery Free weatherization services for customers on the R32 and R4 discount rate. A homeowner or renter may qualify for up to $4,500 in weatherization services including: an energy audit; attic and wall insulation; air sealing; heating system replacement (homeowners only) and safety inspection after services have been completed. Visit www.keyspanenergy.com/pshome/energy. Massachusetts Electric: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programs Special services are available to low income customers to help lower electric bills. For more information, call 1-800-632-8300 or visit www.MassSave.com. NSTAR: MassSAVE Energy efficiency specialists will answer your energy-saving questions and determine your eligibility for a Home Energy Assessment. The assessment includes an analysis of your home's energy use, advice for saving energy and rebate offers on recommended energy improvements. Call 800-632-8300 or visit www.masssave.com. If you currently receive NSTAR’s Discount Rate, you may be eligible for a free home energy consultation, which may include the installation of conservation measures and refrigerator metering. Your rate code and usage information appears on your NSTAR bill. Information about this program and others is also available through www.EnergyBucks.com. Berkshire Gas 100% of installation costs for approved energy saving measures are paid. Measures include many types of insulation, air sealing and clock thermostats. Call 445-4556 or 1-800-238-1221 or visit www.berkshiregas.com/pdf3/newres.pdf. Unitil (Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company) FG&E offers a comprehensive home energy audit, weatherization, hot-water measures, appliance management and ENERGY STAR® lighting -- all at no cost to qualified electric or gas customers. Call the Montachusett Opportunity Council at 1-978-342-7025. Weatherization: You can call the Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development, Bureau of Energy Programs, at 1-800-632-8175 for information about how to apply. Emergency Charitable Assistance: Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation. Good Neighbor Energy Fund Utilities and utility customers fund the Good Neighbor Energy Fund across Massachusetts. Benefits provide a maximum $200 payment toward energy bills for households with incomes between 151 - 200 percent of federal poverty level. Administered by the Salvation Army, the fund helps customers pay their energy bills, especially people in financial crisis who may not qualify for other means of fuel assistance. Call 1-800-334-3047 (area codes 617, 508, 781, 978), 1-800-262-1320 (area code 413), or visit www.magoodneighbor.org/. Community Action/Energy Assistance Agencies Action for Boston CommunityDevelopment, Inc. (ABCD) 178 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111 (617) 357-6012 Action, Inc. 47 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 (978) 281-3900 or 1-800-696-9276 Berkshire Community Action Council, Inc. (BCAC) 1531 East St., Pittsfield, MA 02101 (413) 445-4503 – Pittsfield (413) 663-3014 - North Adams (413) 528-1947 - Great Barrington 1-866-216-6100 - Toll Free Community Action, Inc. (CAI) 25 Locust St., Haverhill, MA 01832 (978) 373-1971 - Haverhill 1-800-332-9004 - Toll Free City of Cambridge, Department of Human Services 51 Inman St., Cambridge, MA 02139 (617) 349-6252 Community Action Program Intercity, Inc. (CAPIC) 100 Everett St., Unit 14, Chelsea, MA 02150 (617) 884-6130 Citizens for Citizens (CFC) 264 Griffin St., Fall River, MA 02724 (508) 679-0041 - Fall River (508) 823-6346 – Taunton (508) 676-7397 - Information Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI) 517 Moody Street, Lowell, MA 01854 (978) 459-6161 – Lowell (781) 643-2358 – Arlington 1-877-451-1082 - Toll Free Franklin Community Action Corporation (FCAC) 393 Main St., Greenfield, MA 01301 (413) 774-2310 1-800-370-0940 - Hampshire County Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. (GLCAC) 305 Essex St., Lawrence, MA 01840 (978) 681-4950 – Lawrence (781) 942-9061 – Reading (978) 664-6011 - No. Reading Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) 460 West Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 771-5400, ext. 387 Lynn Economic Opportunity, Inc . (LEO) 156 Broad St., Lynn, MA 01901 (718) 581-7220, ext. 283 Menotomy Weatherization 20 Academy Street, Suite 202, Arlington, MA 02476 (781) 316-3436 Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc. (MOC) Energy & Environmental Services 52 Hartwell St., Fitchburg, MA 01420 (978) 342-7025 New England Farm Workers Council (NEFWC) (City of Springfield, only) 1628-1640 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103 (413) 272-2209 New England Farm Workers Council (NEFWC) (No. Central Massachusetts only) 435 Main Street, Suite 3040, Fitchburg, MA 01420 (978) 342-4520 North Shore Community Action Programs, Inc. (NSCAP) 98 Main St., Peabody, MA 01960 (978) 531-8810 - Information only (978) 521-076, ext. 136 People Action in Community Endeavor Inc. (PACE) 166 Williams St., New Bedford, MA 02742 (508) 999-9920 Quincy Community Action Programs, Inc. (QCAP) 1509 Hancock Street, 3rdFloor, Quincy, MA 02169 (617) 479-8181, ext. 101 Springfield Partners for Community Action, Inc. (SPCA) 619 State St., Springfield, MA 01109 (413) 263-6538 Self Help, Inc. (SHI) 1362 Main St., Brockton, MA 02301 (508) 226-4192 – Attleboro (508) 588-5440 – Brockton 1-800-255-0875 - Toll Free South Middlesex Opportunity Council, Inc. (SMOC) 300 Howard St., Framingham, MA 01701 (508) 620-1230 – Framingham 1-800-286-6776 - Toll Free outside Framingham City of Springfield, Office of Community Development 1600 East Columbus Ave., Springfield, MA 01103 (413) 787-6500 So. Shore Community Action Council, Inc. (SSCAC) 265 So. Meadow Road, Plymouth, MA 02360 (508) 747-7575, ext. 210 – Plymouth (508) 778-0870 - Hyannis (Oct - April) (508) 746-6707 - Information only Tri-City Community Action Programs, Inc. (TRICAP) 341A Forest Street, Malden, MA 02148 (781) 322-6284 Valley Opportunity Council (VOC) 300 High St., Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 552-1548 Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. (WCAC) 484 Main St., 2nd Floor, Worcester, MA 01608 (508) 754-1176 ext.110 – Worcester 1-800-545-4577 - Toll Free For further information on any of the above programs, please call the Energy Programs staff at (617) 573-1400 or 1 (800) 632-8175 (The HEATLINE). Maine: The General Assistance Program is provided in each town to help people in emergencies, including energy emergencies. Contact: Bureau of Family Independence, Department of Human Services 1-800-442-6003, or 207-287-2826 Low-Income Rate Assistance Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP) Maine’s transmission and distribution utilities are required to create or maintain a LIAP to make electric bills more affordable for LIHEAP-eligible customers. The Maine State Housing Authority administers, implements and coordinates the statewide plan and the individual LIAPs in conjunction with its delivery of LIHEAP. The fund amounts to approximately $5.7 million yearly. Contact Betsy Mansir at 207-626-4603 or visit www.mainehousing.org/liap.html. Maine Public Service Co.: PowerPact LIHEAP-eligible customers who keep current with bill payments November-March may receive a credit up to $230 in June. Aroostook County Action Program determines eligibility. Call Presque Isle, 207-768-3053; Houlton, 207-532-5311; Fort Kent, 207-834-5135 or 1-800-585-3053. Also, visit www.mainepublicservice.com/ Bangor Hydro Electric LIHEAP-eligible customers may qualify for a rate discount. Depending on income, the percentage of the discount will vary based on kilo watt hour (KWH) usage. Emergency Assistance Program Limited to AFDC families, or families with children under the age of 18, who may be eligible for AFDC. One of the program’s functions is to assist families in paying past due energy-related costs in order to avoid being shut off. Call 1-800-499-6600 or 207-947-2414, or visit www.bhe.com/residential/low_income.cfm. Low-Income Energy Efficiency Low Income Appliance Replacement Program A collaborative effort involving Efficiency Maine, the Maine State Housing Authority and the state’s Community Action Programs. The program replaces inefficient refrigerators and installs energy efficient lighting in the homes of qualified low-income consumers. Families or individuals that have incomes at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines or incomes at or below 170% of federal poverty, if that household has an elderly member or a child under 24 months, may be eligible for the program. Community Action Programs deliver the services. Call 866-376-2463 or visit www.efficiencymaine.com/lowincome.htm. Central Maine Power: Low-Income Energy Management Program Electric water heater and pipe insulation and water conservation measures. Call 1-800-750-4000 or visit www.cmpco.com/services/residential/bundleup/income.html. Other State Energy Assistance Programs Residential Energy Assistance Challenge Program (REACH) This program is aimed toward low income households eligible for LIHEAP and/or with annual electrical usage over 15,000 KWHs. It is designed to reduce customer electric utility usage by an average of 25%; increase customer's health and safety; and assist customers' understanding of electric restructuring. Call 207-624-5708. New Hampshire: An 1840's statute requires towns and cities to provide emergency welfare services to the poor, funded by local property taxes. Typically, assistance includes payments to landlords and utilities for rental and utility assistance, vouchers for food and clothing, as well as burial expenses. Contact your local Community Action Agencies. Low-Income Rate Assistance Beginning October 1, 2002, the tiered-discount program (TDP), a modified percentage of income plan, will serve about 23,800 households. The tiers are structured to provide qualified low-income households with monthly energy bill payments equal to, on average, four percent of income for general use customers and six percent for electric heat users. Arrearages existing on or before August 31, 2002 are eligible for retirement. Granite State Electric: Electric Assistance Program Qualified customers receive discounts on electric service. Contact a local Community Action Agency for application. Cheshire & Sullivan 603-352-7512 or 1-800-529-0005; Coos, Carroll & Grafton 603-752-7105 or 1-800-552-4617; Hillsborough 603-668-8010 or 1-800-322-1073; Rockingham 603-436-3896. Also, www.nationalgridus.com/granitestate/home/payment/3_pay_assist.asp. KeySpan Energy Delivery Qualifying heating customers will receive a 50 percent discount on the gas delivery portion of their gas bill starting November 1, 2005. To qualify, a household must receive or be qualified to receive benefits from one of a number of programs such as LIHEAP, SSI, Food Stamps, WIC, TANF and others. Contact KeySpan at 1-800-262-4111 or www.puc.state.nh.us/Home/Press_Releases/. New Hampshire Electric Co-operative: Electric Assistance Program Provides qualifying members with a discount on their monthly electric bill. The discount is based on the household gross income and the type of space heating used in the home. Visit www.nhec.com/energyassistance.html. Northern Utilities Qualifying heating customers will receive a 50 percent discount on the gas delivery portion of their gas bill starting November 1, 2005. To qualify, a household must receive or be qualified to receive benefits from one of a number of programs such as LIHEAP, SSI, Food Stamps, WIC, TANF and others. Contact Northern Utilities at 1-800-552-3043 or visit www.puc.state.nh.us/Home/Press_Releases/. Public Service Company of New Hampshire Income-eligible customers may qualify for a discount of 35 percent or more off their monthly electric bill. Contact 1-800-662-7764 or visit www.psnh.com/Residential/. Unitil (Concord Electric Company): Electric Assistance Discount Provides income-eligible residential customers with a discount on their monthly electric bill. Call 603-225-6880 or visit http://services.unitil.com/ceco/electric_assistance_program.asp. Unitil (Exeter & Hampton Electric): Electric Assistance Program Provides income-eligible residential customers with a discount on their monthly electric bill. In Rockingham County, call 603-436-3896 or 800-639-3896; in Atkinson, Danville, Newton & Plaistow, call 603-898-8435. Also, visit http://services.unitil.com/eh/electric_assistance_program.asp. Low-Income Energy Efficiency As of June 1, 2002, electric utility customers can take advantage of statewide energy efficiency products and services funded by the energy efficiency portion of the System Benefits Charge (SBC). Qualified low-income customers living in an apartment or house, either rented or owned, can receive up to $3,600 in services ($5,900 if customers also qualify for the NH Weatherization Assistance Program), including a customized report analyzing their home, improvements including insulation, thermostats, lighting upgrades, and efficient refrigerators, and recommendations on how to use energy more efficiently. Contact your local Community Action agency or visit www.nhsaves.com/residential/income.html. Granite State Electric: Home Energy Assistance Helps reduce energy costs for low income customers with electricity bills averaging more than $30 per month. An Energy manager from your local Community Action agency will provide an appliance analysis which indicates how much each appliance costs to operate and how much you might save. You may also qualify for other items including: ENERGY STAR® refrigerators, ENERGY STAR® lighting, water saving measures and insulation and air sealing measures. Rockingham County—Rockingham Community Action 800-639-3896. Hillsborough County—Southern New Hampshire Services 800-322-1073. Cheshire or Sullivan County—Southwestern Community Services 800-529-0005. Coos, Caroll or Grafton County—Tri-County Community Action 888-842-3835. Also, visit www.nationalgridus.com/granitestate/. KeySpan Energy Delivery: Low-Income Weatherization Program Free home weatherization to New Hampshire customers on R32 and R4 discount rates. Homeowners or renters may qualify for up to $3,600 in weatherization measures including insulation, air sealing, or heating system replacement for homeowners. Southern New Hampshire Services, Inc ( Hillsborough County) 603-668-8010 x 6051. Community Action Program (Belknap-Merrimack Counties) 603-225-3295. Also, visit www.keyspanenergy.com/pshome/energy/. New Hampshire Electric Coop: Home Energy Assistance Income-eligible customers may receive attic, wall and basement ceiling insulation, caulking and weather-stripping, storm windows and window treatments, thermostat replacements and upgrades for appliances and lighting. Call 1-800-698-2007 or visit www.nhec.com/lowincomeprograms.html. Public Service Company of New Hampshire: Income-Eligible Retrofit Program Available to income-eligible customers: insulation, air sealing, thermostat replacement, electric hot water conservation measures, and cost-effective appliance and lighting upgrades. Call 1-800-662-7764 or visit www.psnh.com/Residential/Efficiency/. Unitil (Concord Electric): Home Energy Assistance Program Income-eligible customers may receive an energy audit, attic and building shell insulation, air-sealing, weather-stripping, programmable thermostat, electric hot water measures, and ENERGY STAR® refrigerator replacements, lighting and fixtures. Call 1-800-852-3339 or visit http://services.unitil.com/ceco/energy_efficiency.asp?t=3. Unitil (Exeter & Hampton Electric): Home Energy Assistance Program Income-eligible customers may receive an energy audit, attic and building shell insulation, air-sealing, weather-stripping, programmable thermostat, electric hot water measures, and ENERGY STAR® refrigerator replacements, lighting and fixtures. Call 1-800-582-7276 or visit http://services.unitil.com/eh/energy_efficiency.asp. Emergency Charitable Assistance: Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation. Neighbors Helping Neighbors Most of New Hampshire's regulated utilities participate in a statewide fuel fund that is administered by community action agencies in coordination with LIHEAP. The "last resort" fund operates year round, serving households after LIHEAP funds are exhausted. In 1994, New Hampshire passed legislation allowing utilities to place unclaimed utility deposits into the fuel fund. Call 1-800-662-7764. New Hampshire Electric Cooperative: Project Care Project Care works with the social service agencies to assist co-op members in crisis situations pay their electric bills to avoid disconnection of service. It is funded primarily through the Round Up program, in which members agree to have their bill "rounded up" to the next dollar with the proceeds going directly to Project Care. Call 1-800-698-2007 or visit www.nhec.coop/projectcare.html. Check out www.nhsaves.com for more information and tips. For more information, contact:Celeste Lovett , Fuel Assistance Program Manager, at (603) 271-8317 or by email at celeste.lovett@nh.gov. Rhode Island: RISEO Emergency Fuel Program This state program is separate from LIHEAP and offers emergency assistance to households that are experiencing an energy-related crisis. An application may be submitted if a household has not received heating assistance and their fuel tank is empty or near empty or if they are in danger of losing utility service. The program will work as follows: The household will call the Emergency Fuel Hotline (401-222-3003). The household must be an approved eligible household of the LIHEAP program. Household must have exhausted their LIHEAP Primary grant and have 1/8 of a tank of oil or less. Once the application is taken, a RISEO representative will call the household’s vendor of record to verify this information. RISEO will issue the vendor a voucher number and authorize a delivery of fuel (minimum of 50 gallons). The vendor will submit the metered slip to the Emergency Fuel Program for payment. In addition to the delivery information, the metered slip should have the client’s name, address and voucher number. RISEO may also authorize the vendor to prime the burner if necessary. RISEO will pay a set price of $10.00 for priming. Invoices and metered slips are to be mailed to: Rhode Island State Energy Office, Emergency Fuel Program, One Capitol Hill, 2nd Floor, Providence, RI 02908, Attention: Holly or Emilie. Emergency Fuel Contacts in the RISEO Holly Paglia E-Mail: HollyD@gw.doa.state.ri.us Emilie Perretta E-Mail: EmilieP@gw.doa.state.ri.us Low-Income Rate Assistance Narragansett Electric Provides a discount rate for low-income households amounting to about $9 per month. Call 1-800-322-3223 or visit www.nationalgridus.com/narragansett/home/rates/4_a60.asp. Low-Income Energy Efficiency Narragansett Electric: Appliance Management Program An Energy manager from your local Community Action agency will provide an appliance analysis which indicates how much each appliance costs to operate and how much you might save. You may also qualify for other items including: ENERGY STAR® refrigerators, ENERGY STAR® lighting, water saving measures and insulation and air sealing measures. Call your Rhode Island State Energy Office at 401-222-3370 or www.riseo.state.ri.us/programs/amp.html. Emergency Charitable Assistance: Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation. Good Neighbor Energy Fund A statewide cooperative effort between gas and electric companies and The Salvation Army. The Fund helps pay electric, natural gas or oil bills, especially for those in financial crisis who may not qualify for other means of fuel assistance. Call 401-421-0956, 401-723-9533 (in Pawtucket) or visit www.rigoodneighbor.org/needassistance.htm. UniBank Fuel Assistance Fund Funds may be available to families who do not qualify under traditional income guidelines, to families who cannot afford the standard 100-gallon minimum delivery amount, or to those families who may have already reached their annual limit for fuel oil benefits. For more information on applying for a grant, contact the Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. by calling 508-754-1176. You may also apply in writing or in person at 484 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Worcester, MA 01608. Community Action/Energy Assistance Agencies Blackstone Valley Heating Assistance Program (BVCAP) 32 Goff Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Areas served: Cumberland, Lincoln, Woonsocket, Smithfield, North Smithfield (call 401-765-3258); in Pawtucket, Central Falls, call 401-725-8707. East Bay Heating Assistance Program, Self Help Inc., 100 Bullocks Point Avenue, Riverside, RI 02915, 401-437-1000. Areas served: Barrington, Bristol, East Providence, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Warren Interfaith Community Dire Emergency Fund: 401 421-9700 Kent County Heating Assistance Program, West Bay Community Action Program, 205 Buttonwoods Avenue, Warwick, RI 02886, 401-732-4660. Areas served: Coventry, East Greenwich, Warwick, West Warwick Northwest Heating Assistance Program, Tri-Town Community Action Program, 1126 Hartford Avenue, Room 209, Johnston, RI 02919, 401-351-2750. Areas served: Burrillville, Cranston, Foster, Glocester, Johnston, North Providence, Scituate, Smithfield Project H.O.P.E.: 401-728-0515 Providence Heating Assistance Program, Providence Community Action Program, 518 Hartford Avenue, Providence, RI 02909, 401-273-0882. Area served: Providence (non-elderly) South County Heating Assistance Program, South County Community Action, PO Box 3738, 1080 Kingstown Road, Peace Dale, RI 02883, 401-789-3016, 401-539-7204, 401-884-4282. Areas served: Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, New Shoreham, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, West Greenwich, Westerly, Charlestown Travelers Aid: 401-351-6500 Urban League: 401-351-5000 Woonsocket Shelter Community Action Program: 401-766-0844