Unitil is participating in Good Neighbor program
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is seeking contributions so it can provide assistance to families having difficulty paying their heating bills this winter season.

Even though it has been a relatively mild spell, the winter period puts a significant strain on family finances, according to Unitil's Sue Corson. "It is a tremendous program because it helps families that don't qualify for federal assistance, but need help during the colder months."

Unitil provides electric service to Ashby, Fitchburg, Lunenburg and Townsend and natural gas service to those communities as well as Gardner and Westminster.

The statewide program, which founded 22 years ago, is reaching out to individuals and corporations for financial support so it can continue to provide heating assistance. Unitil is one of 22 sponsoring utility companies that participate in the program that helps families with their gas, electric or oil heating bills. To encourage donations, Unitil has included an envelope in January's billing statement that customers can use to contribute to the fund.

The program is available to any Massachusetts resident who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month's energy expense and is not eligible for state or federal energy assistance.

To qualify for assistance, an applicant's gross income must fall between a specified percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. It is based on the household size. The maximum disbursement is $275 per eligible household per heating season.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about the program or making a donation should contact Unitil at 1-888-301-7700 or visit the www.magoodneighbor. org.

- Submitted to The Journal