Waltham – – October 11, 2026 -- National Grid is holding free, in-person Customer Assistance events across Massachusetts in October 2026, where customers can get one-on-one help with winter heating bills and learn how to apply for Home Energy Assistance Programs (HEAP).
Trained National Grid Advocates will staff the events. They can explain bill management options, share energy-saving tips and walk customers through the HEAP application. Chief Customer Officer Bill Malee said the company is encouraging customers to "act now" and use the programs available before the heating season starts.
Income-eligible customers can apply for HEAP from October 1, 2026
Gas and electric customers in Massachusetts can check eligibility and application steps for each program. Other options covered at the events include payment assistance, a Budget Plan, the Tiered Discount Rate Program and the Arrears Management Program.
The Payment Assistance Bundle spreads past-due bills over 12 months
National Grid launched the Payment Assistance Bundle in mid-2025. It combines three tools to help customers manage costs and pay down overdue balances over a 12-month period:
- Deferred Payment Agreement: spreads a past-due balance across future monthly payments.
- Automatic Monthly Payments: deducts payments from a bank account each month, so due dates are not missed.
- Budget Plan: divides annual energy costs into balanced monthly payments.
Residential customers can enroll online or by phone
Residential customers can sign up for the Bundle or other bill assistance programs through their "My Account" login. They can also call a Customer Service Specialist at (800) 233-5325.
Dates, times and locations for the October events are listed on National Grid's Massachusetts Customer Assistance event page, and customers should confirm details there before attending. Anyone who cannot attend in person can watch the recording of the August 2026 Bill Assistance Webinar, hosted by the company's Advocates, which gave an overview of key customer programs.