City Resources
COVID-19 Testing Information
Visit www.mass.gov/gettested for more information.
Assistance
Utility + Fuel Assistance
The MA Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has suspended the disconnection of utility services for nonpayment during this state of emergency.
For information about National Grid and their services, visit ngrid.com/covid-19. For questions about budget and programs to assist with bill pay, visit ngrid.com/billpay
Fuel Assistance
This winter, electricity and gas supply prices are set to increase due, in part, to high natural gas prices worldwide—driving up customer bills. New and expanded assistance programs are available to help customers pay bills or manage the increase – including LIHEAP heating assistance, COVID-19 rental/utility assistance, balance forgiveness programs, deferred payment arrangements and budget billing.
The Attorney General’s Office launched an education campaign to raise customer awareness of the impending higher electricity and gas prices and the available assistance or budgeting plans. Winter shutoff moratoriums take effect November 15th, but customers can and should take steps now to minimize the debt they could accrue.
If you have any questions, contact Elizabeth Mahony, Elizabeth.l.mahony@mass.gov. And constituents can always contact our office by calling the AGO consumer hotline at (617) 727-8400 or visit mass.gov/ago/fuelassistance
The LIHEAP (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is administered through ABCD and is available to homeowners and renters even if you live in non-subsidized housing with heat included in your rent. Eligibility is based on your annual income and how many people are in your family. Your gross family income must be at or below 60% of the Massachusetts median income.
For more information on Fuel Assistance programs through ABCD, visit https://bostonabcd.org/service/fuel-assistance-2/
Energy Assistance
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF) is currently open to all eligible candidates. The fund is available to all Massachusetts residents who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month’s energy expense and who may not qualify for state or federal energy assistance. Eligibility income must fall between 60 and 80 percent of the state’s median income levels. Fund disbursement is $300 per eligible household per heating season.
To apply to the Good Neighbor Fund, contact your local Salvation Army Community Center or call 800-334-3047 / 800-262-1320. Further details: www.magoodneighbor.org
Affordable High-Speed Internet
In response to emergency measures associated with Coronavirus (COVID-19), Internet Essentials are available to new customers for $9.95 per month + tax. Please see information below
Internet Essentials from Comcast brings affordable, high-speed Internet to your home so you can have greater access to homework, job opportunities, healthcare and benefits, education resources,
Stay Informed
Sign up for City Alerts and the City Newsletter: www.medfordma.org/alerts.