Massachusetts' New Winter Energy Relief Plan: Who Qualifies and What They Get
Gov. Maura Healey has rolled out a new package to help Massachusetts households cope with high energy costs this winter.
The plan was announced on Oct. 5, 2026, and the state says it delivers nearly $150 million in savings.
Why now?
Healey declared a "State of Energy Emergency," which also switches on the state's legal protections against price gouging of petroleum products.
Heating oil is about 70% more expensive than last year, at $6.08 per gallon compared with $3.52.
Roughly 20% of Massachusetts households heat with oil, especially in older homes and rural communities.
What's in the plan?
- New heating oil benefit for middle-income families: up to $680, available December through April.
- Bigger HEAP benefits: an extra $15 million for low-income households.
- Lower electric bills: temporary cuts to two charges that appear on electric bills.
- Emergency Winter Warmth Fund: a new fund created with Citizens Energy Corporation.
Who qualifies for the new heating oil benefit?
Households that use heating oil and earn between 60% and 100% of the state median income.
For a family of four, that means roughly $103,049 to $171,749 a year.
The state expects about 50,000 households that were previously over the income limit to qualify.
What changes for HEAP recipients?
The federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) currently pays $525 to $1,200 per eligible household.
About 156,000 low-income households will see their benefits rise.
- Oil-heated homes: 20% increase
- Homes heated through utilities: 15% increase
How will electric bills change?
The state will pause the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) charge on electric bills for three months, using $80 million in state funding.
It will also cut the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard requirement by 50% this winter, worth an estimated $20 million.
Together, the governor's office says these steps save electric customers about $100 million.
What is the Emergency Winter Warmth Fund?
It's a new partnership between the state and Citizens Energy Corporation.
The fund is meant to support both existing low-income heating assistance and the new middle-income oil benefit.
What about federal help?
Healey also wrote to Congress asking for an additional $3 billion in emergency funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
That request is just that for now, and Congress has not acted on it in anything I found.
Where to learn more
Full program details are at mass.gov/heatinghelp and citizensenergy.com/warmth.
Eligibility rules and application steps can change, so check those sites before applying.
References
- Cullen, M. (2026, October 11). Who gets help under Massachusetts' new winter energy relief plan? Telegram & Gazette / USA TODAY Network. Syndicated on AOL
- Office of Governor Maura Healey. (2026, October 5). Governor Healey Announces New Winter Energy Bill Relief for Massachusetts Families. Mass.gov
- Boston 25 News. (2026, October). Healey declares state of emergency over winter energy costs in Massachusetts (SMART and AEPS figures)
- NBC Boston. (2026, October). Healey declares 'energy emergency,' announces winter heating relief (Winter Warmth Fund details)
- Spectrum News. (2026, October 6). Healey winter energy costs 2026 (approx. 50,000 newly eligible families)
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