Here to help with your utilities
Did you know that as many as 1 in 3 families living in Cape Ann may be eligible for help with their utilities? Action Inc.’s fuel assistance program is designed to help you pay your energy bills. This free, no-cost program is available to anyone who meets eligibility guidelines – all you have to do is apply. Action Inc. will also work with you to determine your eligibility for discounts on your gas, oil, and electricity bills.
NEW! Water Assistance Program
Are you behind on your water/sewer bills? If you are billed directly and past due on your account, you could be eligible for help. Apply using the fuel assistance link below. If you already receive fuel assistance, you do not need to apply again.
Call us today at 978-281-3900 to see if you qualify or visit our online portal to apply.
Are you eligible?
Income eligibility guidelines
As heating costs continue to rise, many of us struggle to pay our fuel bills, putting our well-being — and our wallets — at risk. If your total household income falls within the state’s guidelines, our Energy Services team can help you pay your heating bills during those cold winter months.
Speak with an Energy Services representative about program availability by calling 978-281-3900.
| Household Members | Max. Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $42,411 |
| 2 | $55,461 |
| 3 | $68,511 |
| 4 | $81,561 |
| 5 | $94,610 |
| 6 | $107,660 |
| 7 | $110,107 |
| 8 | $112,554 |
| 9 | $115,001 |
| 10 | $117,448 |
To qualify for the Fuel Assistance program, your annual household income may not exceed 60% of the mean income of same-size households in Massachusetts, and you must reside in one of the following cities/towns: Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Hamilton, Manchester, Rockport, or Wenham, MA.
Utility discounts
Are household bills taking over your life? Our Energy Services team offers utility bill discounts for Fuel Assistance participants. National Grid gas and electric customers can now contact National Grid directly to enroll in their new Arrears Management Program (AMP). For customers who are eligible, AMP provides 100% forgiveness of a past due bill. You must have an active residential account, be income-eligible, and the name of the customer applying must match the name on the National Grid account.
National Grid Gas
25% discount. Discounted rate of R-4 on residential heating bill and R-2 on non-heating bill. Click here for application.
National Grid Electric
32% discount. Discounted rate of R-2 on electric bill. Click here for application.
Heating Oil
Discount on oil usage up to allotted benefit amount. Please call Action Inc. Energy Services at 978-283-2131 or the Fuel Assistance direct line at 978-281-3900 to learn more.
*All discounts are approximate
Protection from utility termination
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may be protected against having your utilities shut off during the winter per an order of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. Action Inc. can help you work with utility providers if you receive a termination notice to keep or restore power to your home. Please call us at 978-281-3900 for assistance.
Utility payment plans
Our support staff is here to guide eligible residents through the process of establishing payment plans with their utility companies. State law requires that utility companies offer payment plans of no less than four months or four equal payments. If you are at risk of having your utilities shut off, or if they have already been terminated, your utility company is obligated to work with you to establish a reasonable payment plan. If your household meets certain income guidelines and your account has not yet been terminated, the utility company must accept 25 percent of the overdue amount as the first payment. If your account has already been terminated, you still have the right to work with the utility company to create a reasonable payment plan. If your utility company refuses to set up a payment plan, call the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities Consumer Division at 617-392-6066 to ask for assistance.
Frequently asked questions
How do I qualify for fuel assistance?
Can I qualify for discounted electric and/or gas rates if I don't receive fuel assistance?
Do I have to pay for fuel assistance?
What areas of Massachusetts can receive fuel assistance?
Is there a deadline for assistance?
