News Release
Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund Available
for Qualified Candidates
Bitter cold winter temps increases the need for assistance for working families in crisis
Springfield, Massachusetts (February 26, 2014) – The polar vortex and its freezing cold temperatures are turning this into a tough heating season--especially for winter-weary families who don’t qualify for federal or state aid to pay their energy bills. The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, supported by WMECo and its customers, is in its 29th year and is now open to qualified candidates.
“The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is an important safety net for local residents facing temporary financial crisis,” said Penni Conner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Northeast Utilities, WMECo’s parent company. “By joining us in contributing to the fund each year, WMECo customers are able to directly help their neighbors in need.”
The GNEF is funded by Massachusetts electric and natural gas utilities and their customers, and is administered by the Salvation Army. To find out the qualifications contact the local Salvation Army. The fund is “fuel blind” which means the money can be used to pay whichever utility company provides the customers’ heat.
The Fund has raised more than $18.3 million and assisted over 80,450 needy families across Massachusetts since its inception in 1985. In partnership with WMECo’s customers thousands of Western Massachusetts families have been helped. Just last year WMECo and its customers raised close to $50,000 including a matching donation from the company.
WMECo customers who want to support the Fund can do so online ‘Add- A-Dollar' program or by sending a donation through the mail, or call 1-877-OK-WMECo (877-659-6326). The contribution is tax deductible. For more information go to: wmeco mass good neighbor energy fund. Or you can click on:
www.magoodneighbor.org
If customers are having trouble paying their electric bill, or want to learn how to lower their bill they can contact a WMECo customer care expert by calling 1-877-OK-WMECO (877-659-6326) or go online to find out about our no-cost programs Tips to reducing your electric bill.
Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo), a Northeast Utilities company (NYSE:NU), transmits and delivers electricity to 210,000 customers in 59 cities and towns. For more information, please visit our website: www.wmeco.com, like us on Facebook (facebook.com/WMECo) and follow us on Twitter @wmeco.
CONTACT:
Priscilla Ress
413-787-1055
priscilla.ress@nu.com
###