Utilities

Webpage provides infographics on how federal courts have ruled as of 8/14/25 on interim relief (temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, blocks pending appeal) in the 378 cases tracked by Just Security which challenge the second Trump administration's executive actions. No case tracked…

Materials from the January 16, 2025 Utility Advocacy for Low-Income Households in Massachusetts training, presented as part of the MLRI/MCLE Basic Benefits Training Series: Agenda About the faculty Utilities Advocacy for Low-Income Households in Massachusetts (pdf of…

In view of the state of emergency due to COVID-19, Massachusetts has extended the Moratorium on utility shutoffs until the state of emergency in Massachusetts is lifted, or there is further communication.  See the attached letter that DPU is sending to utility companies, which sets forth…

Low income households who pay for heat, or whose heat is included in their rent, may be eligible for fuel assistance from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  Additional information about fuel assistance programs, including documents and the state plan, is available on…

Eversource has a program called "New Start" to assist certain qualifying customers with past due bills. NSTAR will forgive past due balances over a period of time if the customer pays the agreed monthly budgeted bill on time. For more information, click the "go to…

Step by step advocacy guide for helping low-income households stop utility shut offs, arrange payment plans, secure assistance to pay arrears. This is the fourth edition, updated in 2019.  Note as of March 2020 in light of the COVID-19 Emergency, the state of Massachusetts has instituted a…

Low income consumers in Massachusetts whose income is within 60% of the state median income may be eligible for discounted rates on electric and gas service.  M.G.L. c. 164, section 1F(4)(i) states that discounts should be available to low-income consumers who can verify that they receive…

From November 15 through March 15 (sometimes extended into April), Massachusetts state law prevents utility companies from terminating service that is used to heat homes if the household is suffering financial hardship.  See M.G.L. 164, section 124F; 220 CMR 25.03 A household suffering…

Information from the National Consumer Law Center about maintaining continuous utlity service.

Low-income households with (a) an infant member or (b) a member who has a serious or chronic serious illness, and who have filed a "financial hardship statement" with the utility company are eligible for the service shut-off protections as described in the attached guidance.  Households in…

Two page flier of basic utilities rights, written by the National Consumer Law Center. Still current as of August 2019.

A comprehensive overview of utilty rights, including right to obtain service, what to do if you owe money on a previous account, right to continued service, protection against shut offs for illness, personal safety, winter moratorium, elders and infants, restoring…