Home heating assistance available

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- National Grid is reminding customers that assistance is available for households that need help paying their home heating bills this winter.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers aid based on household income, household composition, and heating fuel costs in relation to income.

In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources oversees the LIHEAP program.

In Massachusetts, LIHEAP is also known as Fuel Assistance, and is managed by the Department of Housing and Community Development.

National Grid also offers a low-income discount rate for utility customers who meet certain eligibility requirements, and billing options to help customers spread out their payments evenly throughout the year.