Massachusetts Energy Assistance Programs

Get help paying your electric bill in Massachusetts

If you live in Massachusetts, you know the state is notorious for expensive energy bills. MA’s rates consistently rank among the highest in the USA. The rising cost of electricity has become a major concern for homeowners, renters, and business owners across the state, especially in the cooler months. If you’re struggling to keep up with your electric bill, you’re not alone–and help is available. Massachusetts offers a range of energy assistance programs at the federal, state, and utility levels to help households lower their energy costs, stay warm in the winter, and make lasting home energy improvements.

Whether you’re looking for electric bill assistance in MA, want to explore programs to help you weatherize your home, or just need short-term payment relief, this guide breaks down your options and how to apply.

Federal Energy Assistance Programs in MA

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Also known as Fuel Assistance in Massachusetts, HEAP helps income-eligible households pay a portion of their home heating and electricity costs. Benefits are paid directly to your utility or fuel vendor.

• What it Helps With: The primary purpose is to help pay for the cost of the household’s primary source of heat, which includes oil, electricity, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood, and coal. Coverage is for the heating season, which typically runs from November 1st to April 30th each year.
• Eligibility: A household’s gross annual income cannot exceed 60% of the estimated State Median Income (SMI). (For specific income charts based on household size, you would need to check the current year’s guidelines provided by a local agency, but historically, this is the threshold.)
• How to apply: Applications are handled through your local community action agency. Visit the Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Programs page to find your agency and start your application. The application period opens on October 1st for the upcoming heating season.

Heating System Repair & Replacement Program (HEARTWAP)

HEARTWAP provides emergency heating system repair or replacement for homeowners who meet income eligibility guidelines. This program is typically managed by the same network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) that administer the main Fuel Assistance program (HEAP).

• What It Helps With: The program prioritizes emergency services to repair or replace primary heating systems that are defective, unsafe, or inoperable.
• Eligibility: Must qualify for HEAP, and the program is primarily designed to serve homeowners. HEARTWAP services are not typically provided for tenant-occupied units where the landlord is legally obligated to maintain the heating system.
• How to apply: To be eligible for HEARTWAP, you must first be eligible for the current year’s HEAP as the two go hand in hand. Contact your local community action agency or visit Mass.gov’s HEAP and HEARTWAP portal for details.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP provides comprehensive, no-cost energy efficiency services to income-eligible residents of Massachusetts, focusing on reducing overall energy consumption and making homes safer and healthier.

• What’s included: WAP covers a variety of measures to significantly improve a home’s energy performance, including an energy audit, insulation, air sealing, heating system assessment, and energy-saving home improvements. Local, licensed contractors complete the work at no cost to the resident.
• Eligibility: Households are automatically eligible for WAP if they meet the income guidelines for the Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/HEAP). Additionally, there is categorical eligibility for households with a member receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Homeowners and renters are eligible for the program, with prioritization given to services for the elderly, disabled, and families with young children.
• How to apply: The application for WAP is generally combined with the application process for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Once your household is certified as eligible for HEAP/Fuel Assistance, you are automatically referred to the Weatherization Assistance Program for consideration. You can also contact your local community action agency.

State-Regulated Massachusetts Utility Assistance Programs

Mass Save® Program

Mass Save is a statewide energy efficiency initiative sponsored by Massachusetts utilities and energy efficiency service providers. The program offers multiple ways for residents to save energy and money through no-cost assessments, free upgrades, and 0% interest financing.

1. No-Cost Home Energy Assessments

A professional energy specialist will evaluate your home and identify ways to reduce energy use and improve comfort—at no cost to you. A custom recommendation for larger improvements will also be provided at the conclusion of the assessment.

2. Free Energy-Saving Upgrades
Income-eligible residents may qualify for free home improvements such as attic, wall, and basement insulation. Air sealing to reduce drafts and energy loss replacement of outdated appliances and heating systems.

. 0% Interest HEAT Loans

For larger upgrades, the Mass Save HEAT Loan offers 0% financing for qualified energy-efficient improvements, up to $25,000, with repayment terms of up to seven years. Learn more or schedule an energy assessment at Mass Save’s website.

Utility Programs to Help Manage Your Bill

If you’re behind on your electric bill or want to make budgeting easier, Massachusetts utilities offer programs to help manage payments.

Budget Billing

Even out your monthly payments by spreading your energy costs evenly across the year—no more surprises during the winter months. If you’re curious about the pros and cons of switching to budget billing for MA energy bill, check out our helpful guide here.

Payment Arrangements and Extensions

Most utilities in Massachusetts, including Eversource and National Grid, allow flexible payment arrangements or extensions if you’re behind on your bill. Contact your provider directly to discuss eligibility and next steps.

Where to Compare Electricity Rates in MA

Massachusetts consumers have several avenues available to explore competitive electricity rates and potentially lock in a fixed-rate plan to help with energy affordability:

1. Explore the Energy Switch Massachusetts Website: The Energy Switch website operated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities offers a comprehensive marketplace with potentially hundreds of competing energy offers. While this provides a wide array of choices, navigating through numerous plans and determining the best supplier for your specific needs can sometimes feel overwhelming.
2. Simplify Your Search with ElectricityRates.com: ElectricityRates.com offers a secure, fast, and simple process designed to streamline your rate comparison experience. We present you with only the best rates from top-rated and trusted electricity suppliers serving Massachusetts, saving you time and effort in your search for the ideal plan.
3. Shop Directly Through Supplier Websites: You also have the option to visit individual energy suppliers’ websites. However, keep in mind that you will only see the plans offered by that specific supplier, requiring you to visit multiple websites to get a broader view of the competitive landscape.

Get Help Paying Your MA Electric Bill

From federal fuel assistance to state energy-efficiency upgrades, Massachusetts utility assistance programs make it easier to manage your household energy costs.
After exploring your assistance options, you can also lower your monthly energy expenses by comparing rates from top electricity providers. Use ElectricityRates.com’s free comparison tools to find the best electricity plan for your home and start saving today.

Looking for more general info on getting the best electricity plan for your Massachusetts home or business? Check out our Comprehensive Guide to Massachusetts Electricity Rates.