National Grid and National Grid Foundation Add $1.4 Million to Heating Assistance Funds

Core Points - National Grid and the National Grid Foundation announced a joint contribution of 1.4 million to support low-income and emergency heating programs, specifically the Care & Share Energy Fund and the Neighborhood Heating Fund [1][4] - The announcement follows the exhaustion of Regular Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funds in New York State due to higher-than-normal enrollment, prompting the reallocation of unused state funds by Governor Kathy Hochul to extend the program [2] - The winter of 2025 has been significantly colder than previous years, with December 2024 being 24% colder than December 2023 and January 2025 being 15% colder than the previous year, leading to increased energy usage and higher bills for customers [3] Funding and Program Details - The contribution will allow the emergency heating funds to provide enhanced grants of 500, up from the previous 200, to eligible National Grid customers who have exhausted their HEAP allocations [5][4] - The Care & Share Energy Fund offers emergency financial assistance to income-eligible individuals and families struggling to pay heat-related energy bills in National Grid's upstate New York service area, while the Neighborhood Heating Fund is available for customers in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island [6][5] - Both programs are administered by HeartShare Human Services and will remain open until funds are exhausted, with eligible customers receiving one 500 grant per season [7] Eligibility Criteria - To qualify for the funds, applicants must have an active National Grid account, meet HEAP income guidelines, and have exhausted all available HEAP assistance [8] - Emergency HEAP is available through the spring or until funds are exhausted, with qualification based on household size, income, and a valid utility disconnection notice [11] Additional Support Programs - National Grid has been promoting various bill management programs since October 2024 to help customers save money during cold weather, including the Energy Affordability Program (EAP) which provides monthly bill credits [9][10] - Customers can also access Deferred Payment Agreements to manage past-due accounts and avoid disconnections, with specific provisions for those receiving certain types of assistance [14] Company Overview - National Grid is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving over 20 million people in New York and Massachusetts, focusing on building a cleaner energy future [16] - The National Grid Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in its service areas, having granted over $38 million to local community organizations since its inception [17]