Here are some programs that can help you stay warm this winter

Residents across Massachusetts may have stalled turning on the furnace to delay the costly winter season utility bill, aided in part by some warmer temperatures in October.

The cold weather, followed by the holidays, brings more expenses and stress for many Mass. residents who struggle to make ends meet. Many of these financially struggling people are unaware of the state and federal energy assistance programs available to Mass. residents.

In an effort to inform as many Central Mass. residents as possible of these assistance programs, United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Unitil Corporation, a New England energy provider, and Fitchburg-based non-profit Making Opportunities Count partnered to host the annual energy assistance forum on Wednesday, Nov. 1.

The forum is held annually at the Fitchburg Great Wolf Lodge for local non-profits serving the North Central Mass community to learn about state and federal energy assistance programs offered to help dozens of families.

Bill White, President of the marketing firm Planning Concepts, was hired by Unitil to help organize the 23rd annual forum. White said this year, over 50 non-profit representatives attended the presentation.

"We share all information on these assistance programs with non-profits like local food pantries or community organizations," he said. "Then they can educate the people they serve about these programs."

When should people apply for assistance?

White said the key message conveyed during the forum was letting homeowners or renters know they should apply to these programs sooner rather than later.

"Don't wait until your heating or electricity is off," he said. "The most important thing is that people should start applying now."

What programs are available?

Applications for the regional Federal Fuel Assistance program opened on Nov. 1 and are managed by Making Opportunities Count (MOC) in Fitchburg. The Federal Fuel Assistance program is a one-time benefit ranging from $120 to $600 depending on household income and housing type. A household of four with an income of $87,294 or less would qualify for the program. A single-person home with an income of $45,392 or less qualifies for assistance.

Another program managed by MOC is the Income Eligible Program, which provides families of four members with an income of less than $87,294 and single-person homes with an income of $45,392 or less. This program offers no-cost insulation and replacement of hearing systems, air-sealing upgrades, and new house appliances like clothes washers, refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, and window AC units.

White said these programs also benefits the environment because if people use less energy to warm their homes, they also reduce their carbon footprint.

"These programs are important in trying to help people of all incomes to save, especially if you live in an old home or apartment," White said. " The first thing recommended to reduce your utility cost is to upgrade your home's insulation and heating systems."

During the forum, a few more programs were presented to non-profit representatives so they could later educate the residents they serve. The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a financial heating assistance program that provides an additional one-time payment to household incomes between 60% and 80% of the Massachusetts income median. The statewide median for a one-person household is between $45,393 to $60,523, and for a four-person family is $87,295 to $116,392.

The Salvation Army manages the Good Neighbor Energy Fund. There are two centers near the Greater Gardner area. The first location is 107 Rigge Avenue in Athol, and their phone number is (978) 249-8111/ The second center is at 739 Water Street in Fitchburg, and their phone number is (978) 345-4155.

Another statewide fund is the Enhanced Residential program from MassSave, a collaboration of all the states' energy service providers, which offers no-cost insulation upgrades and rebates to any energy-saving and improvement project for homeowners. A family of four with an income between $87,295 and $116,392 can apply for the program.

Contact MassSave at 1–866–537–SAVE (7267) to verify income to see if your family is eligible for the Enhanced Residential Program.

What can your energy provider do for you?

Homeowners and renters anticipate their monthly electricity and natural gas bills to spike as the temperature drops. Still, many aren't aware of how their energy provider can assist them with their utility bill.

White said several energy providers in Massachusetts have developed policies and financial assistance to help their customers keep the heat on through the winter.

Both National Grid and Unitil Corporation have an Arrears Management program. Customers with an overdue balance of $300 or more for more than 60 days past due qualify for the forgiveness program.

"A lot of folks are surprised by the income guidelines," White said. "It's important to know that even if both spouses are working, but they are struggling to pay, call your provider and apply to these programs; don't wait until the last minute."

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Heating assistance available from local nonprofits for those in need