National Grid and the National Grid Foundation Contribute $325,000 to Upstate New York Heating Funds

ALBANY, NY (12/15/2010)(readMedia)-- National Grid and the National Grid Foundation are once again helping to make winter warmer for residents of Upstate New York by contributing $325,000 to area heating funds. This year's contribution brings to more than $7 million the total amount given to heating funds in New York and New England by National Grid and National Grid Foundation since 2005.

"We are part of the fabric of the communities we serve, and therefore believe it is vital to help protect our New York neighbors in need by providing heating fund assistance," said National Grid President Tom King. "These are extremely difficult times for everyone, but especially those who must choose between heating and eating. We are trying to do our part to help, and urge our corporate colleagues to do the same."

The company is providing funding to American Red Cross chapters throughout Upstate and the National Grid Foundation is supporting Catholic Charities of Albany. Both of these organizations provide heating assistance funds to qualified applicants regardless of which fuel they use to heat their homes.

"At a time in which charitable giving is down, we are proud to be able to increase our giving to help those in need keep the heat on this winter," said Bob Keller, president of the National Grid Foundation.

LIHEAP

National Grid also reminds customers that help is available through the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP provides financial assistance to income-eligible applicants. Households receiving public assistance, Supplemental Security Income or food stamps are the most likely to be eligible for LIHEAP. In New York State, eligibility for LIHEAP is determined by your county Department of Social Services. If you're 59 or under and applying for the first time, call your county Department of Social Services. If over 60, contact your local New York State Office for the Aging. You can also call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-800-342-3009.

OTHER NATIONAL GRID ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

There are several other programs available to National Grid customers to help manage energy costs:

• Low-income discount rate – Discount rates are available to many National Grid electricity and/or natural gas customers, based on service area and certain eligibility requirements. For more information about availability of low-income rates and to determine eligibility, customers should contact their local energy assistance agency, Community Action Agency or state department of social services.

• Billing Options – National Grid's budget billing program helps to spread payments out more evenly across the year. This is particularly helpful to those on fixed incomes. Visit www.nationalgridus.com for more information on this and other payment programs.

• Energy Efficiency Programs – Energy efficiency programs are one of the fastest and most effective ways to permanently lower energy costs. National Grid's website www.powerofaction.com features energy efficiency programs and saving tips, a list of qualified energy services companies and much more.

National Grid is an international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island. National Grid also owns over 4,000 megawatts of contracted electricity generation that provides power to over one million LIPA customers.

The National Grid Foundation was created to enhance the quality of life in areas where National Grid provides services. The Foundation's ongoing challenge is to create opportunities for solutions to educational and environmental issues. Its objective is based on the principle that giving people the tools to build hope is an essential ingredient in the development of individuals, families and communities. Since its inception in December of 1998, the Foundation has provided over $15 million in grants to hundreds of organizations.

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