News Release

With Cold Weather Returning WMECo Can Help Keep Customers Warm
Energy Efficiency, Budget Billing and Income-based Programs Available

Springfield, Mass. (November 20, 2013) — After a welcome period of above average temperatures, seasonally cold weather is returning to the region and with it comes an increasing need for home heating. WMECo is encouraging customers to consider now how they’ll conserve energy to save on their winter heating bills, before the bitter cold arrives. The company offers several programs to help customers lower their energy bills and have experts available to assist in finding and signing up for the programs best suited for them.

“We realize home heating costs can be challenging and that’s why we offer a variety of programs year-round to assist customers, from making their homes more energy efficient to billing and payment options,” said Penni Conner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer for Northeast Utilities, WMECo’s parent company. "We want to help our customers stay comfortable during all seasons and are ready to work with them to achieve their energy goals.”

Setting efficiency goals can be challenging without enough information about where the most energy is being used in a home. To help customers get started, WMECo recommends signing up for a no-cost energy assessment from the
Mass Save Home Energy Services Program. A trained energy expert will visit the home and conduct a top-to-bottom assessment, including testing for drafts and air leaks. While there, the energy expert can also make on-the-spot improvements such as caulking and sealing air leaks, and installing programmable thermostats, compact fluorescent light bulbs and water-saving showerheads. In addition, customers will also receive information about money-saving rebates. For do-it-yourself energy efficiency tips that can help save money immediately, customers can also visit the energy efficiency section of WMECo.com.

In addition to making improvements in energy efficiency, customers may also want to consider payment plans and other programs offered by WMECo. Any customer can receive help managing their utility expenses with the Budget Billing program which helps avoid seasonal peaks associated with heating and cooling by equalizing monthly utility bills based on a customers’ annual energy usage. Customers can sign-up online or by calling 1-877-OK-WMECO. The company also offers a variety of money-saving options for income-eligible customers.
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


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