With less than six weeks remaining before the official end of winter, National Grid understands that many customers are looking for ways to manage their electricity and gas bills during periods of bitter cold. During January, gas usage in New England twice reached the second highest total on record for the company. With more cold weather and snow in the immediate forecast, the company wants to let customers know that there are programs available to manage their bills or find ways to use less energy.

“We’ve experienced cold temperatures that haven’t been seen in New England in years, and the potential exists for more frigid weather ahead,” said Timothy F. Horan, president of National Grid in Rhode Island. “National Grid wants our customers to know that cost management programs already exist and we are working very hard to get the word out so as many customers as possible can avail themselves of these programs.”

National Grid’s energy cost management programs include:

Billing/Payment Options – National Grid’s Budget Plan helps to spread payments out more evenly across the year. This is particularly helpful with those on fixed incomes.

Deferred Payment Agreement – Customers who have fallen behind on payments and cannot pay their bill in full may qualify to pay the past-due balance over time.

Energy Efficiency Programs – Energy efficiency programs are one of the fastest and most effective ways to permanently lower energy costs. National Grid’s website, www.nationalgridus.com, features energy efficiency programs and saving tips, a list of qualified energy services companies and much more.

The company is also implementing a broad ranging communications strategy to reach as many customers as possible through a variety of channels including news releases, social media messaging, bill inserts, the company website, customer e-mail blasts and direct outreach.

National Grid customer service representatives are ready to answer questions about cost management and energy efficiency. For more information or to see if they qualify for cost management programs, customers should call the company’s Customer Contact Center at 1-800-322-3223.