Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts is heading to Attleboro, Rhode Island, on Wednesday to speak directly with seniors and local leaders about new measures aimed at easing winter energy costs for residents. The event will be held at the Attleboro Senior Center, where the governor will outline her administration’s expanded heating assistance program and a proposal to eliminate electricity surcharges for qualifying households.

Expanded heating assistance for seniors and low‑income families

Earlier this month, Governor Healey declared a state of emergency in response to soaring heating prices and announced a one‑time relief payment for middle‑income households. The new initiative builds on that effort by targeting seniors and families whose incomes fall below the state’s median level. Eligible participants will receive a direct credit toward their utility bills, and the administration plans to work with local utility providers to waive additional electricity fees that often burden low‑income customers.

Collaboration with Rhode Island officials

While the governor’s office is based in Massachusetts, the relief plan is being coordinated with Rhode Island’s Department of Energy Resources and local utility companies to ensure that the assistance reaches those who need it most across state lines. Healey emphasized that energy security is a shared concern for New England families, and that regional cooperation is essential for effective solutions.

What the relief means for Attleboro residents

Attleboro’s senior community, which has expressed growing anxiety over rising heating bills, stands to benefit directly from the proposed credits. The governor’s team will distribute informational packets at the senior center, detailing eligibility criteria, application steps, and timelines. Residents who qualify can expect to see the credit reflected on their next utility statement, reducing the financial strain of heating their homes during the cold months.

Governor Healey’s broader energy agenda

Healey’s visit underscores a larger agenda focused on making energy more affordable for all New Englanders. In addition to the immediate relief measures, the administration is pursuing longer‑term strategies, such as expanding renewable energy incentives, modernizing the regional grid, and encouraging energy‑efficiency upgrades for older homes. These efforts aim to lower overall demand and stabilize prices, aligning with the governor’s commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.

Community response

Local leaders have welcomed the governor’s presence, noting that the outreach demonstrates a genuine concern for the well‑being of Attleboro’s most vulnerable citizens. “We appreciate Governor Healey’s willingness to come to our city and address a problem that affects so many families,” said Attleboro City Councilor Maria Santos. “This partnership shows that we can work together across state lines to protect our seniors and ensure they have a warm home this winter.”

Critics of the plan, including a small group of consumer‑advocacy volunteers, argue that the relief may be insufficient given the scale of the price surge. However, the governor’s office responded that the program is a first step, with additional funding earmarked for future rounds of assistance as more data becomes available.

How to apply

Residents interested in the heating assistance program should visit the Attleboro Senior Center on Wednesday or contact the governor’s outreach hotline at 1‑800‑555‑HELP. Applications can also be submitted online through the state’s Energy Relief portal, where users will find a step‑by‑step guide and a list of required documentation.

The governor’s visit is part of a broader outreach tour that includes stops in several New England towns, each aimed at gathering feedback and ensuring that relief measures are tailored to local needs. By engaging directly with citizens, Governor Healey hopes to build a coalition of support for her administration’s ongoing efforts to keep energy costs affordable and to protect families from the harsh winter weather.

Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.