National Grid offers cooling tips, bill help for summer months

National Grid is launching a summer outreach campaign in Massachusetts aimed at helping customers manage energy use and control costs as temperatures rise.

The effort includes energy-saving guidance, bill management programs and in-person assistance events across the state. Company officials said higher electricity use during hot weather can drive up costs, particularly following a cold winter that may have already strained household budgets.

“From cooling tips to billing help, our teams are taking a proactive approach to ensure that our customers have the support they need to stay cool and to keep costs down throughout the summer season,” said Bill Malee, National Grid’s chief customer officer.

Customers will receive text alerts during heat waves with conservation tips, such as adjusting thermostats, using fans with air conditioning and closing window coverings to reduce indoor heat. The company is also promoting home energy assessments, weatherization upgrades and the use of energy-efficient appliances.

To address affordability, National Grid is offering a Payment Assistance Bundle that combines budget billing, automatic payments and deferred payment plans to help customers manage past-due balances.

Customer assistance representatives will host an event on Tuesday, June 9 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Waltham McDevitt Middle School, 75 Church St. More information is available at National Grid’s website.