The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF), sponsored by 19 energy companies in the state launched its annual “Give The Gift of Warmth” campaign drive with a kickoff breakfast recently that also featured special recognition of a GNEF volunteer.
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF), which is now open to all eligible households, helps families and individuals impacted by a temporary crisis and who don’t qualify for federal or state assistance with a $500 home energy payment per eligible household per heating season.
This marks the 38th year energy companies and individuals from across Massachusetts come together to support households through financial fuel assistance. This year’s campaign goal is to raise $500,000 and assist more than 1,000 local households.
In addition to launching its annual campaign, Unitil Credit Supervisor Sue Corson was recognized with “The Chairman’s Award” at its kickoff breakfast at Lombardo’s in Randolph, Massachusetts that included elected officials and volunteers. Corson has served on the Good Neighbor Energy Fund Committee for 24 years, including as chair, vice chair and secretary.
“Sue is so deserving of this award. She has dedicated countless hours toward the fund’s success, which has allowed us to assist so many families over the years,” said Marie McCabe, chairperson of the 2022-2023 Good Neighbor Energy Fund campaign and customer service representative for North Attleborough Electric Department.
Those in temporary crisis are encouraged to visit the Fund’s website at www.magoodneighbor.org to see if they qualify for assistance. McCabe added that the Fund has raised more than $23.5 million and assisted over 93,250 households in need with the payment of monthly energy expenses since its inception in 1985.
The Fund is often the last resort for families who do not qualify for federal and state assistance programs. The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division, which administers the Fund for the sponsoring energy companies, pays the energy provider directly for households whose gross income falls between 60 and 80 percent of the state’s median income levels. For example, a household size of four would need to have a total gross yearly income of between $81,562 and $108,748 to qualify.
To apply to the Fund for assistance, visit your local Salvation Army Corps Community Center or call 800-334-3047 if you live in area codes 508, 617, 781 or 978 or 800-262-1320 if you live in area code 413. The Fund’s distribution award letter will also serve as qualification for the Mass Save Enhanced Insulation Incentive for customers of a Massachusetts investor-owned utility. Specifically, the offer provides qualified customers with no-cost insulation, as well as other no- cost energy savings measures.
Participating energy companies support their respective customers’ generosity through various giving programs. Massachusetts residents who wish to support the Fund can “Give the Gift of Warmth” by using Good Neighbor Energy Fund donation envelope found as an insert in monthly energy bills or through the ‘add a dollar’ program some energy companies offer which allows customers to increase their monthly utility bill payment by one dollar or more. Customers can also donate online by visiting www.magoodneighbor.org or simply mail a check payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” and send it to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, c/o The Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, Massachusetts 02021-1408.
Photo Caption: Peter Schiffman, general manager of N. Attleborough Electric Dept., and Marie McCabe, chairperson of the 2022-2023 Good Neighbor Energy Fund, present “The Chairman's Award” to Unitil’s Sue Corson for serving as a volunteer on the Good Neighbor Energy Fund Committee for the past 24 years.
