National Grid recommends home preparations ahead of Winter!

National Grid is encouraging customers to proactively prepare their homes and businesses for the winter season and take advantage of energy and cost-saving measures available through National Grid and their partners at Mass Save. As the weather gets colder, and with more frequent and more powerful storms becoming the norm, it's important for customers to be prepared, stay connected, and take action in advance of the upcoming winter heating season.

National Grid teams work day in and out to ensure customers receive the safest and most reliable energy service possible. They are continuously inspecting, investing, and upgrading critical infrastructure, performing vegetation management to keep power lines clear of obstructions, and preparing crews to respond to significant weather events. In 2022, National Grid upgraded and modernized their infrastructure across MA. These investments, along with other efforts, have resulted in National Grid having strong system performance in 2023, with their MA electric network operating at 99.95 availability, providing customers with relative electric services. In support of storm prep & restoration efforts, their teams routinely conduct training drills/exercises, and are in regular contact with local public safety and emergency response officials.

Here's what you can do to prepare this winter:

• Create a winter emergency storm kit (such as batteries for radios and flashlights, bottled water, non-perishable food items, and keeping in mind specific needs for members of your household, including medications and the needs of pets)
• Make sure your gutters and storm drains are clear of debris and fully operational
• Conduct regular maintenance on generators and familiarize yourself with safe operation
• Ensure furnaces, heat pumps, and water heaters are in proper working order and are corrected vented
• Remove any diseased or dead branches on trees
• Test smoke & carbon monoxide detectors and change batteries annually
• Stay connected by signing up for text alerts on ngrid.com/mobile
• For additional winter prep information, see ngrid.com/stormprep

How can you get assistance & save money?
Winter also means increased energy usage. For those who need help managing their bills, National Grid is holding customer saving events across MA. These events are designed to help customers reduce their energy use / lower energy costs, manage their energy bills and payments, and help them secure available energy assistance. National Grid also offers assistance to customers over the phone and online, and they have a variety of assistance programs and deferred payment options available to customers in need. See more at ngrid.com/heretohelp.