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LYNN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Local energy companies say it could be an expensive winter to keep New Englanders warm. One organization in Lynn has already seen an increase in low-income families applying for fuel assistance.
Lynn Economic Opportunity is an organization that helps low-income households apply for federal fuel assistance. They work to give low-income families, senior citizens, and people living with disabilities a safety net of resources and services to help promote economic independence and stability.
Andrew Gilroy, community services director, said they have already seen a 15 percent increase in applications for fuel assistance compared to the same time last year.
"Reach out to us, come on down and see us, we are happy to help and we will help figure out what resources are available for your situation," Gilroy said.
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Around this time in November 2021, about 4,000 households applied for assistance, while this year they are seeing around 4,600 applications. LEO has been actively reaching out to families and senior centers to get more households signed up for the program as the weather starts to get colder.
The National Grid's winter rate increases went into effect across Massachusetts earlier this month. They predicted customers could see prices for monthly electricity go up an average of 64 percent or about $114 and natural gas prices could go up 22 percent or about $50 compared to last winter.
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