Key keywords: National Grid assistance events, Worcester summer energy support, 2024 summer energy cost hikes, low-income household energy aid, energy bill relief programs, Massachusetts utility customer support, free energy efficiency kits, LIHEAP supplementary assistance As summer temperatures climb across the Northeastern U.S., National Grid has announced a slate of in-person assistance events across Worcester, Massachusetts, to help local residents cope with record-high energy costs projected to rise 22% this summer compared to 2023. The events, running from June 15 through July 20, will be hosted at 12 community locations including the Worcester Public Library Main Branch, Main South Community Center, and Green Island Neighborhood Center, to ensure accessibility for residents across all city neighborhoods. Data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities shows that average residential electric bills for Worcester households are expected to hit $287 per month this summer, up from $235 in 2023, driven by higher natural gas prices for power generation and increased demand for air conditioning during heatwaves. For the 20% of Worcester residents living below the federal poverty line, the cost increase has forced many to make difficult tradeoffs between cooling their homes, purchasing medication, or buying groceries for their families. Last summer alone, more than 1,200 Worcester households faced utility shutoffs due to unpaid energy bills, a 30% increase from 2022. At the upcoming assistance events, National Grid staff and bilingual (English and Spanish) community navigators will help eligible residents apply for a range of support programs, including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) supplementary grants, discounted electricity rate plans for households earning less than 80% of the state median income, and interest-free payment plans for past-due bills that waive all late fees for qualifying applicants. Attendees will also receive free energy efficiency kits containing LED light bulbs, smart power strips, window insulation film, and programmable thermostats, which National Grid estimates can reduce monthly energy use by 12% to 18% for the average household. Staff will also offer free 15-minute home energy use consultations to share personalized tips for cutting cooling costs without sacrificing comfort. Residents do not need to make an appointment to attend the events, though pre-registration via the National Grid website is encouraged to reduce wait times. For residents who cannot attend in-person sessions, all support programs are also available via National Grid’s customer service hotline or online portal, with dedicated representatives assigned to Worcester residents through the end of August. National Grid officials stated that they aim to serve at least 3,000 Worcester households through the event series, with a goal of reducing summer utility shutoffs in the city by 40% compared to 2023.