Get help with your high seasonal utility bills
February 9, 2023
Living Well at Home
Health news, stories of care, and other information to help you live safely and independently at home
Extreme temperatures and rising energy costs can combine to result in high utility bills. We understand this is a true barrier to safety for many individuals and families.
How can you save?
There are many strategies that can help with high energy bills, such as the following tips:
- Be proactive. Don’t be afraid to speak with your utility company, and don’t wait until you receive a shutoff notice to tell your supplier that you won’t be able to pay your bill. Many utility companies have plans to help you spread out your peak seasonal energy bills throughout the year. Some customers – such as senior citizens, low-income individuals, and military personnel – may also qualify for shutoff protection from their utility company.
- Use energy wisely. Unplug nonessential appliances, like your microwave or coffee pot, when they are not in use. This stops them from wasting energy. This includes even small devices like phone chargers. In the winter, turn your thermostat down when you are not home.
- Consider weatherization. Insulation and measures to reduce air leakage keep heat inside your home and save you money. Many state and local governments offer incentives and rebates for weatherizing your home. Check the website for your state or municipality to learn more.
Who can you call?
Below are local resources you can consult to find out more about getting help with your utility bills.
You can call the Consumer Division of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities at 877-886-5066 to find out what options are available to you, including whether you are eligible for fuel assistance.
In addition, Mass Save offers a variety of programs to help make your home more energy efficient, which can lower your bills, and may even come with tax benefits if you own your home. Mass Save also offers no-cost or discounted energy efficiency services to income-eligible households in Massachusetts.
You can contact the Rhode Island Department of Human Services at (401) 462-6419 to find out whether you are eligible for assistance with your utility bills. Rhode Island’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income residents pay their heating bills. Applications are taken at local Community Action Program agencies. Learn more here.
The Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) runs programs throughout the state to help low-income households pay for utilities. Low-income residents could be eligible for a home heating credit. The State Emergency Relief program can provide an intervention in the event of a crisis, such as when a household’s heat has already been shut off.
At www.Michigan.gov/BeWinterwise, you can view a list of services and resources available to help. You can also call 211 or visit www.mi211.org to find out about your options.
The California Department of Community Services & Development runs the state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides assistance to eligible low-income households with the goal of managing and meeting their immediate home heating and/or cooling needs. You can also call 211 to find out more about what options may be available to you for help.
Remember: You can play a role in helping your community stay safe in extreme temperatures by sharing these tips and resources with others who may need them.
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