Agreement expected to provide discounts of up to 25 percent on gas and 42 percent on electric bills

Boston - On October 16, 2024 the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced a groundbreaking agreement between MassHealth, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), and five statewide utility companies. The partnership will deliver automatic discounts on utility bills for hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents receiving MassHealth, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC), alleviating financial burdens for low-income households across the state.  

MassHealth members and DTA clients will automatically receive discounts of up to 25 percent on gas expenses and 42 percent on electric expenses without individuals having to submit additional paperwork. MassHealth members that are eligible electric customers of National Grid could expect discounts of up to 71 percent after implementation of its new tiered discount program expected to go into effect later this year. The average residential customer on basic service can now expect to save up to $460 a year on their gas heating bills and up to $1,058 per year on electric bills. 

“Far too many Massachusetts residents struggle to cover the high costs of gas and electric bills, especially as we head into the winter months. We are proud to deliver this landmark agreement that will automatically deliver significant savings for hundreds of thousands of households across the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful for the partnership of Berkshire Gas, Eversource, Liberty Gas, National Grid, and Unitil as we work to make Massachusetts more affordable for everyone." 

“This partnership exemplifies how collaboration between state agencies and the private sector can directly improve the lives of Massachusetts residents," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We applaud this partnership between MassHealth, DTA, and utility company leaders and look forward to delivering these savings to the people of Massachusetts.” 

“We’re always looking for ways to simplify paperwork for MassHealth members and DTA clients so eligible families and individuals don’t have to jump through hoops to access benefits and savings,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “This partnership means lower utility bills for the households in Massachusetts that need it most and is one of the ways we’re making good on this administration’s commitment to affordability.” 

“We’re using every tool we have to cut energy costs for our residents,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We’re at a critical moment in the clean energy transition, and we are seizing this opportunity to rethink how we promote affordability. With tiered discounts and automatic enrollment, these discounts will be transformational for residents who are most in need.” 

“This transformative partnership between MassHealth, the Department of Transitional Assistance, and utility companies underscores our commitment to affordability and equity in Massachusetts,” said Mike Levine, Assistant Secretary for MassHealth. “I am grateful to the utility companies participating in this effort.”  

“DTA is proud to participate in efforts like this that expand and streamline access to support for the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents,” said DTA Commissioner Jeff McCue. “The money these individuals and families save on their utility bills will be critical in helping them pay for other necessities like food or housing costs.” 

Five utility companies, Berkshire Gas, Eversource, Liberty Gas, National Grid, and Unitil, have joined the agreement. Combined, the companies serve more than 3.5 million Massachusetts residents across their gas and electric businesses, underscoring the extensive reach and impact of this partnership. 

Statements of Support 

Bill Malee, Chief Customer Officer, National Grid:

“National Grid is committed to helping customers obtain the assistance they need to help manage their energy costs. Automatic enrollment in utility bill discounts unlocks additional customer benefits and is a welcome convenience for vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth.”  

Kat Bourque, Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Chief Customer Officer, Unitil:

“Ensuring energy remains affordable for all is central to Unitil’s mission, and we work hard to let qualifying customers know about discounted rates and other assistance programs. We see this collaboration as an excellent opportunity to automatically enroll customers, and we look forward to partnering with the Commonwealth to identify all who qualify for these rates,”  

Tatiana Roc, President, Liberty – Massachusetts:

“Liberty is continuously looking for ways to better serve our customers and is proud to partner with the state and other LDCs in the data matching agreement.” 

Sue Kristjansson, President and Chief Operating Officer, Berkshire Gas: 

“As we look to bring more awareness of the low-income assistance programs available to our customers, I am proud that Berkshire Gas will be part of this important statewide effort to deliver discounts automatically to the individuals who need them most. I am grateful to Governor Healey’s Administration for pioneering this important collaboration and look forward to exploring additional innovations to increase affordability for Massachusetts communities.” 

Jess Cain, Vice President of Customer Operations and Assistance Programs, Eversource: 

“Massachusetts has long been a national leader in providing energy affordability options to its residents, and this agreement builds on our longstanding agreements with the Department of Transitional Assistance and Division of Medical Assistance to ensure that all customers who qualify for discount rates and other financial assistance can most easily take advantage of the best programs, discounts and protections for them. We are constantly working with the commonwealth on additional opportunities to support our customers and look forward to this agreement advancing the work we do together every day to connect customers with the best energy affordability options, protections and discounts available to them.”