In Challenging Year, National Grid Committed to Aiding Customers Dec 14, 2020 - 10:00 AM

Amidst pandemic and colder temperatures, company offers bill assistance

December 14, 2020 CONTACT: Media Relations - (781) 907-3980

WALTHAM, MA - As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the country, National Grid is urging customers experiencing hardships to make use of the company's many energy management and assistance programs.

With shorter days and cooler nights and more people working from home, energy consumption will rise over the next several months. National Grid recommends that customers act now and review the Company's energy payment options, efficiency programs and discount rates, steps that can help reduce the bill impact from increased use of gas and electricity during the winter.

'We know this has been a very challenging year for many of our customers and we are here to help,' said Marcy Reed, president of National Grid in Massachusetts. 'More than ever, now is a good time to learn about our billing options, discount rates and nation-leading energy efficiency programs.'

At National Grid, we're committed to providing reliable and affordable energy for all our customers, especially during these unprecedented times. Energy supply prices change annually on November 1 and winter supply rates are typically higher than summer supply rates.

The world has changed and with many homes being used as classrooms and offices, we understand customers may be confronting unanticipated expenses. If you find yourself in the position of having trouble paying your bill, we can work with you to find the best payment solution possible.

Managing Bills

This has been a difficult year and we want to do our part. Several options are available for income-eligible customers, including a discount rate, forgiveness programs and aid through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), a federal fuel assistance program. Customers can also make use of our budget billing plan and various payment options.

Thousands of customers have benefited from our assistance programs for many years and we encourage anyone in need to make use of them. More information is available atngrid.com/billhelp.

National Grid also provides a long list of energy efficiency tips on itsenergy efficiency page. Here are a few examples:

  • Revisit your thermostat settings to make sure they're changing with the weather and your schedule.
  • ENERGY STAR® certified LED light bulbs can help you save every day at home because they use 90 percent less energy and last 13 times longer than traditional bulbs.
  • Lower your water heater setting to 120°F to save energy and prevent scalding
  • Smart power strips can help you control the amount of energy your electronics use. If you don't have one, unplug the electronics you aren't using.

Our Continuing Customer Commitment

During these unsettled times, National Grid has provided more than $2 million in charitable giving in support of the communities in which we live and work. We have a long history of showing up on behalf of our friends and neighbors, lending a hand when assistance is needed. Helping our customers manage their energy costs has always been important - now more than ever. For more information, visitngrid.com/payment assistance.

Understanding Options for Purchasing Energy Supply

Approximately four percent of National Grid natural gas customers and 49 percent of National Grid electricity customers procure their energy from competitive suppliers. These prices may be different from National Grid's supply costs. National Grid encourages customers to understand the details of such contracts and review available information atwww.ngrid.com/masschoice.Whether you use an alternate supplier or not, National Grid will continue to deliver your energy safely and reliably, respond to all service and emergency needs, and restore power during storms.

About National Grid

About National Grid: National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. National Grid is transforming our electricity and natural gas networks with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions to meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter, watch us on YouTube, friend us on Facebook, and find our photos on Instagram.

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National Grid plc published this content on 14 December 2020 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 13 December 2020 18:08:01 UTC