National Grid brings energy assistance to Waterford

WATERFORD, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Energy costs can be tough, especially as winter approaches and everyone needs to stay warm. National Grid is helping customers find ways to save and on Saturday consumer advocates for National Grid were at Waterford Public Library to connect people with programs that can actually make a difference in their lives.

“Today we’re holding an outreach event at the Waterford library to help people with any questions that they might have. Just to provide any assistance, whether it’s a payment agreement that we offer or energy affordability program, they might be eligible for,” said Kari Kelly, Consumer Advocate at National Grid.

The energy affordability program provides a monthly bill credit to income eligible customers. For example, if you receive a HEAP grant, you are automatically enrolled in this program. Customers can also apply for this program if they receive HEAP payments for other utilities, like SNAP, Medicaid, Veterans Disability, or Survivors Pension and more.

“We host these events because a lot of people like to work with someone in person, and it also allows them to answer any questions that they might have all in like a one-time setting,” said Kelly.

A few people did show up to sit down and have some of their questions answered. Some costumers told News10s Tyanna Xavier some of their concerns were the overall price of their bill. She spoke to someone who showed up who had National Grid and their bill was nearly 1000$.

“966$, yeah I can’t believe it, and I was on a budget plan,” said a National Grid costumer talking to News10s Tyanna Xavier.

People were able to fill out applications for the program and talk about discounts rates to help out and this is one of the many events they hold to help out their customers.

“We’re always available, not just in these in-person events. We’re also available through the phone,” said Kelly. “We do libraries, senior centers, nonprofits, food pantries. We do a lot of different locations.”

A few simple ways to save energy could be adjusting your thermostat, unplugging electronics when not in use, turning off light as well when not in use, seal and insulating your windows and more. It’s the small changes as well that could make a difference in your monthly bill.

Even though this event only lasted a few hours, National Grid says their energy affordable program last year-round to help people as the seasons change and as life happens. To learn more about this program, click here.