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Heating Bill Help Coming for Massachusetts Families; Healey Declares "Energy Emergency"
The plan expands heating aid for about 50,000 middle-class households and adds $15 million for low-income families, officials said.
On Monday, Governor Maura Healey declared a "state of energy emergency" and announced an energy affordability plan including expanded heating assistance and temporary relief on electric bills for Massachusetts households.
Heating oil costs have risen 73% since last year, a surge Healey attributed to the war in Iran and energy policies of the Trump administration.
The administration will eliminate the SMART program charge for three months and increase HEAP benefits, delivering nearly $150 million in total savings for low-income and middle-class families.
Partnering with Citizens Energy Corporation, the state launched the Emergency Winter Warmth Fund, while eligible middle-income families can receive up to $680 in one-time heating oil assistance beginning in December.
The assistance programs run from November 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027, as Healey faces criticism from Republican opponent Mike Minogue regarding the timing of her energy affordability efforts.