News Release
WMECo Announces the 2011-2012 Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is Now Open to All Qualified Candidates
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., January 10, 2012 – Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo), together with The Salvation Army, announces that the 2011-2012 Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is now open to all qualified candidates.
The Fund is a cooperative effort between the Massachusetts energy companies, their customers and The Salvation Army to help families in temporary crisis who do not qualify for federal or state assistance to pay their energy expenses. The Fund is often the last resort for families who have not qualified other assistance programs.
To qualify for assistance from the Fund, an applicant's gross household income must fall between 60 and 80 percent of the State’s median income levels. This year's Fund disbursement is $350 per eligible household per heating season. Eligible customers can apply for assistance by calling 1-800-262-1320 or visiting the nearest Salvation Army Service Center.
“We’ve seen urgent need as we’ve processed the emergency cases in December and requests for assistance will most certainly continue to rise throughout the coming months, as the colder temperatures move in,” said Major Robert Goding of The Salvation Army. Goding added that the Fund has raised more than $17.7 million and assisted over 78,600 needy families since its inception in 1985.
“We’re privileged to support The Good Neighbor Energy Fund, helping families in need throughout our service territory pay utility and fuel bills,” said Peter J. Clarke, WMECo president and chief operating officer. “We hope others will join us in helping our neighbors in need,” he said.
WMECo customers who wish to support the Fund can “Give the Gift of Warmth” by making a donation. By enrolling in the Add-a-Dollar program customers can sign up to have one to ten dollars automatically added to their bill each month to be contributed to the Fund. WMECo will match 50 cents of each dollar donated through the program, up to $15,000.
One-time donations can be made by credit card via