WORCESTER—As winter energy bills climb amid colder-than-normal weather, National Grid brings two in-person customer assistance events to Worcester later this month, offering residents one-on-one help managing energy costs and accessing bill-assistance programs.
The Worcester events are part of a broader series of 31 customer assistance sessions National Grid is hosting across Massachusetts in February. According to the utility, the initiative is intended to help customers navigate higher seasonal energy use, understand their bills, and connect with programs designed to reduce costs and prevent arrears.
The first Worcester event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Worcester Community Action Council, located at 18 Chestnut St. A second session will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Green Island Neighborhood Center/Friendly House, 50 Canton St.
At each event, National Grid customer service specialists will be available to provide individualized guidance on bill-management options and energy-saving programs. Assistance will include information on payment plans, budget billing, discounted energy rates for income-eligible customers, and home energy assessments.
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n a statement announcing the events, Bill Malee, National Grid’s chief customer officer, said the company recognizes the strain winter costs place on households. “We understand the challenge residents are facing from increasing costs, which are only worsened by the extreme cold across our region,” Malee said. “These events will help provide critical relief to our customers by connecting them to support programs and tools, while also providing insights into their home energy use.”
National Grid said the events are free and open to the public and are hosted at accessible community locations, including city facilities and neighborhood centers, to ensure residents — particularly seniors and those facing financial hardship — can easily attend.
The Worcester sessions are among several events scheduled throughout Central Massachusetts this month, but they represent the only stops within the city itself.
Residents who cannot attend in person can also seek assistance by contacting National Grid directly or exploring bill-management programs through the company’s customer support channels.
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