Energy Efficiency and Cost-Saving Services Available to Qualified Individuals 

Burdened by the financial strain of the holidays and the downturn in the economy, many more local residents are worried about how they will keep their homes warm this winter. To help constituents stay warm, Representative Geraldo Alicea (D-Charlton) is encouraging them to contact Energy Bucks (www.energybucks.com) to see what energy efficiency and cost-saving services they qualify for. 

“With the current economic climate, this winter is going to be terribly difficult for low–income and working families, and the elderly trying to heat their homes” said Rep. Alicea. “We want to spread the word that help is available so that families can stay warm."

Energy Bucks is an integrated campaign that creates “one-stop-shopping” for energy assistance services, enabling Massachusetts residents to better understand and apply for programs that can help them manage their energy costs. 

“Many people go without help simply because they don’t know about all the great programs available to them,” said Elliot Jacobson, chairman of the Low-Income 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 to families at little or no cost depending on their 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. 

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. By spreading the word about the resources available, Energy Bucks links residents to programs that will help them stretch their dollars as the weather gets colder and budgets get tighter. 

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. To find out if you qualify for assistance, visit www.energybucks.com or call 1-866-LESS-COST.