Attorney General Maura Healey today launched a campaign to help Massachusetts residents reduce their energy use and bills, according to a news release.

Due to inflation, the war in Ukraine and other factors, fossil fuel prices are rising. So, starting July 1, customers with average usage in Eastern Massachusetts using Eversource, New England’s largest energy provider, will see their monthly bills jump to $212.15, a increase of more than 30% compared to last summer, according to the press release. Customers of Eversource’s West Division or other utilities should also expect an increase in their energy bills, the statement said.

“As temperatures rise this summer, your monthly bills will also rise. We want families worried about paying their monthly bills to know that help is available to manage these record high energy rates,” Attorney General Healey said in a statement. “My office will continue to be a resource for clients seeking advice on reducing energy consumption and ways to cut costs in the months ahead.”

The attorney general’s office will work with service organizations and municipalities across the state to educate customers about the rate increase and available financial assistance programs, the news release said. Here are four of his office’s recommendations.

Reduce your energy consumption

Try contacting Mass Save, an organization dedicated to helping residents save money and energy, for an energy efficiency audit. The audit should help residents understand how they can reduce their energy consumption and their monthly bills. Residents can also try adjusting their air conditioner settings or closing window coverings on hot days, according to the news release.

Sign up for a payment plan with your utility

Massachusetts utility companies offer several financial assistance programs. Some of these programs even include a payment program – which for the most part can last up to 12 months. Customers enrolled in these programs are protected from having their service shut down for the duration of the plan, according to the press release.

Also consider budget billing with your energy service provider. This should help customers establish more predictable payments.

Find out about eligible income assistance programs

If you’re having financial difficulty, try checking with your utility company to see if you qualify for an income-eligible rate, which may offer you a discount on your energy bill. Eligibility is based on the last four weeks of gross household income, the news release said.

You can also benefit from an arrears management program, an individualized payment plan that allows you to cancel all or part of your outstanding balance.

If you earn between 60% and 80% of the state’s median income, you can get help from the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, an organization that helps people pay their energy bills.

Beware of competing suppliers

Some competing electricity providers may try to take advantage of high tariffs and entice customers with cheaper electricity deals. According to a report from the attorney general’s office released in April 2021, customers in Massachusetts who got their electricity from competing providers had to pay a collective $426 million more in the previous five years than if they had stayed with them. their public service.

The report also says these competitive providers charge higher rates to low-income residents and communities of color.

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