First, we will take the outstanding balance you have on your electric bill off your bill and set that aside. Then, we will work with you to analyze your yearly electricity costs and create a monthly budget. Each month you pay your budget amount on time, you will earn credits to pay off your outstanding balance. Each month you pay your budget amount on time, we will take a portion of what you owe from your old balance off your bill. The amount deducted will either be 1/36 of your starting outstanding balance or $10, whichever is greater, but cannot total more than your outstanding balance.

What’s more – after the first six consecutive months you pay your budget amount on time, give us a call to confirm receipt of your payments and we will reward you with a $25 Stop & Shop gift card!

Through our partnership with the local Community Action Agencies, we also offer Money Matter$, a unique workshop to help you identify where your income comes from and where your household expenses go – from groceries to utilities, transportation to loan payments. We can help you understand your spending habits, set financial goals and create a roadmap so you can better manage your money and get back in your feet.

To be eligible:

• You must be a current WMECO residential customer
• You must apply for and receive an energy assistance payment – regardless of how you heat your home
• Your balance must be $100 or more and at least 60 days overdue
• Your income must fall at or below 60% of the estimated state median income (PDF:7KB)
• You must continue to pay your monthly budget amount each month on time

Call our NUStart team at 800-286-5844 (toll-free) for information or to enroll.