December 18, 2007 - Energy Bucks Showcases Weatherization of Spencer Home

Local Utilities and Community Action Programs Partner to Help Families Facing Winter Cold

Spencer, MA—December 18, 2007— As part of the Energy Bucks initiative, National Grid, NSTAR, Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. (WCAC), and local leaders came together in Spencer to weatherize a home and promote energy efficiency. The event took place at on December 18, at the home of Donna and Michael Nairn, 96 Mechanic St.

Elected officials Secretary Ian Bowles, Representatives Geraldo Alicia and Ann Gobi, Spencer Selectman Anthony Bove, Jr., along with Laura McNaughton, of National Grid, David MacLellan of NStar, homeowner Michael Nairn, and Bob Frigon of Housewarmers rolled up their sleeves to assist weatherization experts as they caulked, weather-striped, and blew insulation into the attic and walls of the apartment.

The Nairns are working parents with four children. They have applied for the Heating Assistance Program in previous seasons and have already received fuel assistance and an oil delivery in addition to today’s weatherization. This season, based on their income, they will receive a $590 benefit from fuel assistance through WCAC and the weatherization will help them save at least 20 percent on energy costs in addition to their existing benefits.

“High energy costs are going to make this winter terribly difficult for low-income and working families and for the elderly trying to heat their homes,” said Jill C. Dagilis, WCAC executive director. “The frigid weather is upon us, but help is available to keep families warm this winter.”  

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.  Typically, a family of four can qualify for heating assistance and weatherization if their income is less than $3441 per month, and for energy efficiency services if their income is less than $4,337 a month, saving up to 30% on their energy costs. 

“There are many low-income and working residents who need help getting through the winter,” said Laura McNaughton, manager of residential energy efficiency services, National Grid.  “We take great pride in the Energy Bucks program and we’re eager to spread awareness that resources are available.”

“Many people go without help simply because they don’t know about all the great programs available to them,” said David MacLellan, residential program manager of energy efficiency department, NSTAR. “The Energy Bucks campaign provides us with an additional outlet for showing customers how to be more energy efficient and also save significantly on their bills with our discount rates.”

More than 800,000 Massachusetts households are eligible for some level of energy assistance. The gas and electric utilities offer discount rates and energy efficiency services to income eligible customers. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) provides fuel assistance with federal funds accessed through local CAPS that also assist with performing energy efficiency services.  

Energy Bucks is sponsored by National Grid; NSTAR Electric & Gas; Unitil; Western Massachusetts Electric Company; Bay State Gas, KeySpan Energy Delivery, Berkshire Gas and the Cape Light Compact, an energy efficiency organization; the Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN); and Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP).

For information on applying contact: WCAC in Worcester at (508) 754-1176 to find out more about Energy Bucks or to contact other Community Action Programs, visit www.energybucks.com or call 1-866-LESS-COST.