Unitil Urges Winter Heating Aid Enrollment
The utility promoted assistance programs and new tiered discount rates for income-eligible customers ahead of the winter heating season.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Utilities
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Unitil Corp. encouraged homeowners and renters to use winter heating assistance programs, following its 26th Annual Energy Assistance Forum held Thursday, Nov. 5, at Great Wolf Lodge. The company also announced new tiered discount rates for income-eligible residential customers.
Why it matters
Heating costs typically rise during the winter months, and the programs are intended to help residents manage those expenses. For Massachusetts households, the discounts and payment relief options may reduce the burden of seasonal energy bills.
Unitil says income-eligible customers can receive up to 95% off natural gas and 91% off electric service during winter months, based on company-reported program rates. Customers saved an estimated $375 last winter through the reduced distribution rate compared to the standard residential rate, though total enrollment figures were not disclosed.
The players
Unitil Corp.
A regional utility company that provides gas, electricity and water to customers across New England.
United Way of North Central Massachusetts
A local nonprofit affiliate of the United Way network that co-hosted the energy assistance forum.
The details
Unitil Corp., which provides gas, electricity and water across New England, sponsored the forum with the United Way of North Central Massachusetts and Making Opportunity Count. The company also introduced a new heat pump rate, which it says can reduce electric distribution and transmission charges by about 64% for enrolled homeowners.
Timeline
Nov. 1: Applications for the federal Home Energy Assistance Program opened.
Thursday, Nov. 5: The 26th Annual Energy Assistance Forum was held at Great Wolf Lodge.
November through April: The heat pump rate's delivery charge reduction period.
Market Landscape
Unitil's tiered discounts operate alongside the federal Home Energy Assistance Program, which opened applications on Nov. 1. Together, state utility rate relief and federal aid form the layered support structure households use to offset winter heating costs.
Income-eligible residents may qualify for discounts on natural gas and electric service, plus a one-time $400 Good Neighbor Energy Fund payment if household income falls between 60 and 80% of the state median. Households may also be eligible for arrearage relief of up to $4,800 per service each year.
The takeaway
Income-eligible households should review available heating assistance programs before the winter season peaks, since several options are offered at the same time. Enrolling early may help residents take advantage of discounts and one-time payments.
Further reading
For related coverage, see Utilities in the business section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sentinel and Enterprise.
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