THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 30, 2022 Page 3 Mayor Christenson Urges Malden Residents to Use Available Assistance for Energy and Heating Bills Get help paying for heat this winter Advocate Staff Report M ayor Gary Christenson is encouraging residents to take advantage of available assistance programs to pay their home heat and electric bills this winter. Malden residents have seen their electricity bills increase 64% after National Grid raised rates in November, an average of an additional $100 per month per family. Average monthly gas bills will increase by 24%, for an average of an additional $47 per month. “We know that many of our residents simply can’t aff ord an additional $150 every month for their energy bills,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “That is why we are doing everything in our power to assist folks in both paying their bills every month and reducing their energy usage so that their bills are as low as possible.” Nearly half of Malden residents are eligible for the state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which can provide up to $2,200 to eligible households to help pay their heating and electricity bills this winter. Applications for this Get Help Paying for Heat assistance are open until April 30th, 2023, and the program can refund residents for bills they have already paid. Residents can learn more and get help applying by contacting Malden’s Offi ce of Housing Stability at 781397-7000 x5721 or by emailing at housingstability@cityofmalden.org. Many Malden residents are also eligible for National Grid’s discount rate, which reduces utility bills by up to 40%. Residents who are eligible for the LIHEAP program or any other state benefi t like MassHealth, SNAP, Section 8, or WIC are also eligible. National Grid can also help residents who have fallen behind on energy bills by setting up payment plans or, for income-eligible residents, forgiving part or all of the debt. To be eligible for LIHEAP and the discount rate, households must have incomes below the following limits: $42,411 for a one-person household; $55,461 for a two-person household; $68,511 for a three-person household; $81,561 for a four-person household; $94,610 for a five-person household; $107,660 for a six-person household; $110,107 for a seven-person household; and $112,554 for an eight-person household. Approximately 45% of Malden households meet these requirements. Residents who are unsure if they may use these programs are encouraged to check. Only one out of every six eligible households in Massachusetts currently receives these benefi ts, and the City estimates that there are 10,000 households in Malden who are eligible but not yet receiving this assistance. Residents can learn more and get help applying by contacting Malden’s Offi ce of Housing Stability at 781-397-7000 x5721 or by emailing at housingstability@cityofmalden.org. Malden fire started with unsafe use of extension cord Fire offi cials urge caution with extension cords, power strips M alden Fire Chief William P. Sullivan and State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said that the three-alarm fire on John Street on the night of December 26 started with the unsafe use of an extension cord. Two Malden fi refi ghters were hospitalized for injuries that were not life-threatening, and nine people were displaced from the multifamily residence. “We’re extremely relieved that the two injured fi refi ghters are recovering and that none of the residents were hurt or worse,” said Chief Sullivan. “This fire started with an indoor extension cord that was run through a window along the outside of the home, where it ignited the building’s exterior. If you must use an extension cord outside, be sure it’s rated for outdoor use and keep it away from water, snow, and ice.” “Electrical fi res are the secUNSAFE | SEE PAGE 7 10% Off Senior Discount! SNOW BLOWER SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS Pickup/Delivery Available 1039 BROADWAY, REVERE WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM AUTOTECH DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! Cold Hard Cash for Your Vehicle! RIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT $$ CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! $$ Get your vehicle Winter Ready! We Offer A Complete Safety Check! • Coolant Special with Oil Change • Top Off All Fluids Gt hil Wit Rd • Synthetic Blend Oil Change Only $79.95 2005 JAGUAR S-TYPE Loaded with Power Options, Excellent Condition, Clean Title, Only 92K Miles! TRADES WELCOME! $4,995 Easy Financing Available! (Most vehicles) 2013 KIA SOUL Loaded with Power Options, Sun Roof, Heated Seats, Remote Starter, Clean Title, Only 86K Miles! TRADES WELCOME! $7,995 (781) 321-8841 • (617) 571-9869 1236 EasternAve • Malden EddiesAutotech.com Vehicle! We Pay Cash For Your
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