To Qualify
You qualify if you are a residential customer living in the home full time, and one of the following two situations apply to you:
- You get fuel assistance (Home Energy Assistance Program)
- You or someone in your household currently receives benefits through one of the eligible assistance programs listed below
To Apply
Starting November 1, 2026, there will be multiple ways to apply for the discount rate.
Discount Amounts*
Beginning November 1, 2026, the amount of your discount will depend on your service (gas or electric), and your income and household size. Until your income is verified, you will be placed on the Tier 6 discount.
*Pending final Department of Public Utilities (DPU) approval
Discount Tier | Income Level by Household Size (updated annually) | Gas | Electric | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Non-Heat Rate | Heat | Standard and Heat Pump | |
| Tier 1 | $15,960 | $21,640 | $27,320 | $33,000 | $38,680 | $44,360 | 95% | 91% | 91% |
| Tier 2 | $19,950 | $27,050 | $34,150 | $41,250 | $48,350 | $55,450 | 83% | 69% | 70% |
| Tier 3 | $23,940 | $32,460 | $40,980 | $58,020 | $58,020 | $66,540 | 79% | 63% | 64% |
| Tier 4 | $27,930 | $37,870 | $47,810 | $67,690 | $67,690 | $77,630 | 75% | 56% | 57% |
| Tier 5 | $31,920 | $43,280 | $54,640 | $77,360 | $77,360 | $88,720 | 71% | 49% | 50% |
| Tier 6 | $53,585 | $70,073 | $86,561 | $119,536 | $119,536 | $136,024 | 60% | 30% | 32%** |
Current for 2026/2027 heating season.
**The Electric Tier 6 discount will be 40% until April 30, 2027. After that, the discount will go down by no more than 5% every six months until the discount amount of 32% is reached.
Customers Currently on the Discount Rate
Gas customers:
Until your income is verified, you will be placed on the Tier 6 discount for your rate. Once verified, you will be placed on the appropriate discount for your income and household size.
Electric customers:
Until your income is verified, or if your income is verified and falls within Tier 6, you will stay on the current discount (40%) until April 30, 2027. After that, your discount will go down by no more than 5% every six months until you reach your new discount amount of 32%. If your income is verified to fall within Tiers 1 through 5, you will be placed on the appropriate discount for your income and household size.
How Your Income Will Be Verified
Your income will be verified securely through your participation in other state programs when possible. When your income is verified and your discount amount is updated, we will send you a confirmation letter.
To ensure accurate income verification, please check that the name on your Unitil account matches the name on the state program you participate in.
You can also contact Making Opportunity Count at 978-342-4520 to confirm eligibility, for income verification and to apply for fuel assistance. To learn about other assistance programs that may be available to you, please contact 211.
Financial Assistance
Support for your energy needs
We currently offer a discount rate and arrearage management program for income-eligible residential customers, a budget billing program to avoid seasonal spikes in energy bills, and flexible payment arrangements to help those who have fallen behind.
