FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                             Contact:          Erin McNeill

February 9, 2009                                                                                                                    617-722-1551

Pacheco encourages residents to seek heating help from Energy Bucks

Boston, MA — Residents worried about keeping their homes warm this winter should contact Energy Bucks to see if they qualify for energy efficiency and cost-saving services, Sen. Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton) said today.

“The cost of heating homes has become a huge burden for many families and individuals in the current economic climate,” Pacheco said. “We want to spread the word that help is available so that people can stay warm.”  

Energy Bucks is an integrated campaign with one-stop shopping for energy assistance services, enabling Massachusetts residents to learn about and apply for programs that can help them manage their energy costs. Residents can get more information at www.energybucks.com.

“Many people go without help simply because they don’t know about all the great programs available to them,” said Elliott Jacobson, chairman of the Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN). “Even those who already receive fuel assistance may qualify for a discount utility rate or energy efficiency services.”

Energy efficiency services are available at little or no cost depending on income. Typically, a family of four can qualify for some form of assistance or energy efficiency services if their income is less than $4,124 a month.

These services can help save qualified families up to 30 percent on their energy bills by insulating and weatherizing their homes, repairing or replacing a heating system, receiving discount rates for electric and gas, installing energy efficient appliances and obtaining fuel assistance.

“People who are struggling with energy bills need to know that there is a place to seek help,” Pacheco said.

About Energy Bucks
Energy Bucks is an integrated campaign combining grassroots outreach, community-based activities and advertising to build awareness of the fuel assistance, discount rates and energy efficiency services available to income-eligible families. Energy Bucks is sponsored by Massachusetts utilities including National Grid, NSTAR Electric & Gas, Unitil, Western Massachusetts Electric Company, Berkshire Gas, Bay State Gas, and the Cape Light Compact in collaboration with the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) and the Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN). To find out if you qualify for assistance, visit www.energybucks.com or call 1-866-LESS-COST.