Healey-Driscoll Administration says agreement will save hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts households on gas and electric

BOSTON — Today the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced an agreement between MassHealth, the Department of Transitional Assistance, and five statewide utility companies.

According to the Administration, the partnership will deliver automatic discounts on utility bills for hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents receiving MassHealth, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children, and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children.  

MassHealth members and DTA clients will automatically receive discounts of up to 25 percent on gas expenses and 42 percent on electric expenses without individuals having to submit additional paperwork. MassHealth members that are eligible electric customers of National Grid could expect discounts of up to 71 percent after implementation of its new tiered discount program expected to go into effect later this year. The average residential customer on basic service can now expect to save up to $460 a year on their gas heating bills and up to $1,058 per year on electric bills. 

“Far too many Massachusetts residents struggle to cover the high costs of gas and electric bills, especially as we head into the winter months. We are proud to deliver this landmark agreement that will automatically deliver significant savings for hundreds of thousands of households across the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful for the partnership of Berkshire Gas, Eversource, Liberty Gas, National Grid, and Unitil as we work to make Massachusetts more affordable for everyone.” 

“This partnership exemplifies how collaboration between state agencies and the private sector can directly improve the lives of Massachusetts residents,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We applaud this partnership between MassHealth, DTA, and utility company leaders and look forward to delivering these savings to the people of Massachusetts.” 

“We’re always looking for ways to simplify paperwork for MassHealth members and DTA clients so eligible families and individuals don’t have to jump through hoops to access benefits and savings,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “This partnership means lower utility bills for the households in Massachusetts that need it most and is one of the ways we’re making good on this administration’s commitment to affordability.” 

“We’re using every tool we have to cut energy costs for our residents,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We’re at a critical moment in the clean energy transition, and we are seizing this opportunity to rethink how we promote affordability. With tiered discounts and automatic enrollment, these discounts will be transformational for residents who are most in need.” 

“This transformative partnership between MassHealth, the Department of Transitional Assistance, and utility companies underscores our commitment to affordability and equity in Massachusetts,” said Mike Levine, Assistant Secretary for MassHealth. “I am grateful to the utility companies participating in this effort.”  

“DTA is proud to participate in efforts like this that expand and streamline access to support for the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents,” said DTA Commissioner Jeff McCue. “The money these individuals and families save on their utility bills will be critical in helping them pay for other necessities like food or housing costs.” 

Five utility companies, Berkshire Gas, Eversource, Liberty Gas, National Grid, and Unitil, have joined the agreement. Combined, the companies serve more than 3.5 million Massachusetts residents across their gas and electric businesses, underscoring the extensive reach and impact of this partnership.