Winter is Coming: National Grid Offers Energy Management Solutions

WALTHAM, MA., September 1, 2015 /3BL Media/ – As temperatures creep into the 90s this week, it may be difficult to consider that it won’t be long before we need to turn on the heat. As the end of summer nears, National Grid encourages customers to consider how to manage energy costs during the colder months. Utility bills are likely to cost more in the months ahead than they do currently, because more natural gas will be needed for home heating, and electricity supply costs are anticipated to rise.

There are steps that customers can take now, however, to manage their energy budget and usage year-round. Energy efficiency opportunities as well as billing options and discount rates are tools National Grid offers to lessen the impact of higher bills.

“We’re concerned about the impact of energy costs on our customers all year long, but we recognize that the colder seasons pose an extra challenge,” said Marcy Reed, president of National Grid in Massachusetts. “Now is the perfect time to be proactive about your energy use and budget. We encourage you to take our energy efficiency tips and to see if one of our billing options is a good fit.”

With about half of New England’s electricity generation fueled by natural gas, electricity supply costs are likely to remain high this winter due to market prices and continued natural gas supply constraints into the region. Electricity supply is the electricity National Grid purchases on behalf of customers and passes to customers without a markup. National Grid does not generate electricity for its basic service customers and plays no role in determining market prices; the company delivers electricity to homes and businesses. New electricity supply rates, which have not yet been determined, will go into effect November 1.

National Grid has a three-decade history of helping New England customers realize energy savings through energy efficiency programs. Energy efficiency, savings tips and much more may be explored here. Using an advanced power strip to eliminate “standby energy loss” from computer screens and other devices when they are not being used, for instance, can save up to $100 per year in energy costs. Maintaining an efficient heating system is an important step to conserving energy. Have your heating system serviced once every two years by a licensed, qualified professional.

Billing options and discount rates also are available to help eligible customers who may have difficulty paying their monthly gas or electric bill. National Grid offers billing programs to help customers spread payments out more evenly across the year, which is particularly helpful to those on fixed incomes. Discounted rates are based on service area and certain eligibility requirements. For more information about the availability of these rates, customers should contact National Grid at 800-322-3223 or their local energy assistance agency, Community Action Agency or state department of social services. In addition, National Grid encourages customers to consider all available energy supply options. You may learn more about alternative suppliers by visiting here. Regardless of your chosen supplier, National Grid will continue to deliver reliable energy, respond to service and emergency needs and provide storm restorationservices.

Though electricity and natural gas bills are generally highest in the winter, National Grid is concerned about the impact these costs have on customers year-round and is an advocate for long-term energy solutions for the region. New England has been dealing with pipeline infrastructure constraints, which limit the amount of natural gas available for electricity generation. At the same time, there is a need for cleaner and more reliable energy. A three-part strategy of advancing renewables, increasing energy efficiency, and increasing gas transmission and pipeline capacity is the company’s solution to helping solve this unprecedented challenge.

About National Grid

National Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE: NGG) is an electricity and natural gas delivery company that connects nearly 7 million customers to vital energy sources through its networks in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the Northeast. National Grid also operates the systems that deliver gas and electricity across Great Britain.

Through its U.S. Connect21 strategy, National Grid is transforming its electricity and natural gas networks to support the 21st century digital economy with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions. Connect21 is vital to our communities' long-term economic and environmental health and aligns with regulatory initiatives in New York (REV: Reforming the Energy Vision) and Massachusetts (Grid Modernization).

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

CONTACT: Media Relations – 781-907-3980