Massachusetts HEAP Cold Relief Brochure '25-'26
Each year, Massachusetts publishes a brochure with key information on the state’s HEAP cold relief efforts.
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Massachusetts Intro to HEAP '25-'26
This presentation covers the basics of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) [formerly referred to in MA as LIHEAP] and walks through important updates and changes to expect in HEAP and weatherization for the 2025-2026 program year. In addition, the speakers go through some best practices for the application process as well as common errors…
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As Winter Shutoff Protections Expire, More Bay Staters are Falling Behind on Energy Bills
A new brief analyzes Massachusetts utility data and finds customers owe significantly more in unpaid energy bills than prior to the pandemic.
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Massachusetts Discount Rate Customers Falling Farther Behind on Utility Bills
This brief disaggregates arrearage data by customer class, looking at the discount rate and standard rate customers separately.
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Utility Dive: The American power system is changing. How can electricity rates keep up?
As the industry prepares for the electrification of different sectors of the economy, Kavya Balaraman at Utility Dive sat down with experts, including NCLC senior attorney Charlie Harak, for a look at new ways to make electricity rates more equitable. There are more direct ways in which regulators can help keep energy more affordable –…
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Group Convened by Massachusetts AG's Office Releases Recommendations to Improve Public Participation in Energy Proceedings
Report Identifies Solutions to Barriers to Public Participation in Department of Public Utilities and Energy Facilities Siting Board Proceedings
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Overly Impacted & Rarely Heard: Incorporating Community Voices Into Massachusetts Energy Regulatory Process
Disproportionately high burdens connected with utility infrastructure and operations fall on environmental justice populations, which are formally defined by Massachusetts law. Yet the status quo provides environmental justice populations and affected communities few or no meaningful opportunities to participate in DPU and EFSB proceedings, where most utility infrastructure and operations decisions are made. Few agency…
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Risks of Utility Shutoffs Are Rising in Massachusetts
The National Consumer Law Center has compiled Massachusetts gas and electric arrearage data collected in DPU docket 20-58 through February 2023. Here we provide a brief update to previous reports released in February 2021, November 2021, and November 2022 on the state of arrears in MA. As of April 1, the winter moratorium that protects…
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Massachusetts Utility Consumer Rights Course
In this course, advocates and front-line social service workers who assist low-income, Massachusetts consumers learn the eligibility requirements for utility discounts, how to prevent service from being shut off, how to restore service if it has been terminated, and how to manage past due balances. Throughout the year, NCLC staff periodically offers this free course…
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Utility Help in Massachusetts
Listing of resources to help Massachusetts consumers.
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Presentation: Utility Consumer Rights Course
Outline of a utility consumer rights training, part of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute Basic Benefits training series.
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Massachusetts Utility Advocacy Handbook (5th ed. 2026)
A guide for advocates, social workers, and attorneys assisting clients in Massachusetts with their utility rights.
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