If you live in our service area and your dwelling depends on electric heat and you are experiencing financial hardship, you may be eligible for heating assistance. Beginning in January 2018, you can get help with the heating assistance application process by scheduling an appointment at our Main Street office.

UPDATE: March 1, 2018 — As the heating season nears it’s end, SHELD is no longer hosting application assistance events. Eligible residents can still apply for assistance by contacting the Franklin Community Action Commission directly at 413-774-2318.

It is important to understand that this program is limited to residents who get their electric service from SHELD and whose dwellings rely on electric heat; homes outside SHELD’s service area or those which are heated by gas or oil are not eligible.

Schedule your appointment in advance

Appointments for the assisted applications must be made in advance. We require this so that we allow enough time to assist each person, and so you can find out in advance what information to bring with you.

To schedule, call us at 413-536-1050, and ask for either Kelly (Extension 102) or Donna (Extension 103). Appointments are available on the first and third Wednesday of the winter months, beginning this January and extending through the heating season.

The First Wednesday appointments will be scheduled between 9:00AM and 1:00PM; the Third Wednesday appointments will be scheduled between 11:30AM and 2:30PM.

If you or someone you know may be in need and qualifies for this assistance, please know SHELD is here to help as best we can!