| BOSTON—Burdened by record-breaking fuel costs, many area residents are struggling to keep their oil tanks filled for the rest of the winter. To help constituents stay warm, Representative Mary Rogeness is encouraging constituents to contact Energy Bucks (www.energybucks.com) to see what energy efficiency and cost-saving services they qualify for. “Rising energy costs are putting low-income families and seniors at significantly greater risk than in previous years,” stated Representative Rogeness. “One important way residents can access fuel assistance, energy efficiency services and discount utility rates is through Energy Bucks.”Energy Bucks is an integrated campaign that creates “one-stop-shopping” for energy assistance services, enabling Massachusetts residents to better understand and apply for programs that can help them manage their energy costs. Through Energy Bucks, eligible individuals and families can access the following programs: Fuel Assistance - Subsidies to reduce the price residents pay for energy services Utility discount rates - Discounted rates that lower what customers are charged for the energy they use Energy efficiency services - Services that make customers homes and appliances more energy efficient, reducing total energy consumption Typically, a family of four can qualify for heating assistance and weatherization if their income is less than $3441 per month and for energy efficiency services if their income is less than $4,337 a month, saving up to 30% on their energy costs. “More than 800,000 Massachusetts households are eligible for some level of energy assistance, but less than 40 percent participate,” said Elliot Jacobson, president of the Low Income Energy Action Network (LEAN). “It’s important for residents to seek assistance through Energy Bucks.”Even those who already receive fuel assistance may qualify for a discount utility rate or energy efficiency services. Energy efficiency services are available to families at little or no cost depending on their income, and can include new insulation, repair or replacement of their heating system, and energy efficient light bulbs. To find out if you qualify for assistance, visit www.energybucks.com or call 1-866-LESS-COST. About Energy Bucks Energy Bucks is an integrated campaign combining grassroots outreach, community-based activities and advertising to build awareness of the fuel assistance, discount rates and energy efficiency services available to income-eligible families. Energy Bucks is sponsored by Massachusetts utilities including National Grid, NSTAR Electric & Gas, KeySpan Energy Delivery, Unitil, Western Massachusetts Electric Company, Berkshire Gas, Bay State Gas, and the Cape Light Compact in collaboration with the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) and the Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN). |
