Press Release: 7/22/2026

AG Campbell Shares Energy-Saving Resources As Wildfire Smoke Highlights Climate Impacts And Summer Energy Challenges

 



Encourages Consumers to Take Steps to Save Energy and Money and Learn Whether They Qualify for Payment Assistance Programs 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



7/21/2026



MEDIA CONTACT



Sydney Weiser, Deputy Communications Director



 Phone



Call Sydney Weiser, Deputy Communications Director at (617) 727-2543



 Online



Email Sydney Weiser, Deputy Communications Director at sydney.weiser@mass.gov



BOSTON — As communities across Massachusetts continue to feel the impacts of climate change, including recent wildfire smoke from Canadian wildfires that affected air quality across the region, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell today shared resources to help residents save energy and money on their electricity bills and learn about programs that may help them afford their utility costs.  



“The recent wildfire smoke affecting Massachusetts is a reminder that the impacts of a changing climate are being felt right here at home,” said AG Campbell. “While there are many factors that contribute to wildfires, we know that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical to confronting the climate challenges ahead. Energy efficiency and conservation programs can help residents lower their bills while also supporting our collective efforts to build a cleaner, healthier future.”  



The Attorney General’s Office (AGO)’s Save Money and Energy flyer offers practical ways that consumers can reduce their electricity bills by conserving energy use and improving energy efficiency, including: 




  • Blocking out the sun using blinds or curtains during the day to keep rooms cooler. 

  • Using fans to circulate air, which can help make rooms feel up to 10 degrees cooler, allowing consumers to set their air conditioning systems a few degrees higher to save energy.  

  • Using air conditioning systems efficiently by ensuring windows stay closed and the thermostat is set higher when no one is home. On cooler nights, turning off air conditioning and opening a window to allow natural ventilation and cooling.  

  • Unplugging electronics and avoiding using high-energy appliances during peak energy demand hours (3-9 p.m. on hot days).  

  • Contacting Mass Save® for more information on how consumers can reduce energy usage and improve energy efficiency in their homes.



The Save Money and Energy flyer may be viewed in its entirety here in English, as well as in Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Khmer, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.  



The AGO has also released a new Electric Bill Assistance flyer to help consumers manage monthly electricity costs. 



In addition to offering budget billing, which allows consumers to spread out their yearly utility bill costs through equal monthly payments, utility companies also offer payment plans for consumers struggling with overdue bills.  



Some households, depending on their size and income, may qualify for discount rates and payment forgiveness. For more information about discount rates and payment forgiveness programs, view the AGO’s Electric Bill Assistance flyer in its entirety here in English, or in Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Khmer, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.  



Consumers may also qualify for additional assistance programs, including: 




  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally-funded program that helps Massachusetts residents pay their heating bills throughout the winter (November 1–April 30). If your household income is 60% or less of the state median income, you qualify for LIHEAP.  


  • If your household is between 60 and 80% of the state median income, you may be able to receive help from The Good Neighbor Energy Fund for short-term assistance.





The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) can be contacted at 2-1-1 for General Program inquiries related to housing or home energy programs. 



Customers who have concerns about their utility rights should contact the AG’s consumer assistance hotline at 617-727-8400 or file a complaint online.   



To learn more about the AGO’s ratepayer advocate role and how to understand your electric bill, check out the summer edition of “The Energy Advocate” newsletter.