WORCESTER, Mass. - National Grid has temporarily paused their low-income energy savings program.

The Worcester Community Action Council said National Grid halting their low-income energy savings program comes as a surprise, but it can be looked at as an indicator of the program’s success.

WCAC is one of more than 20 providers for the low-income energy affordability network in the Mass Save program for low- and moderate-income households.

CEO Marybeth Campbell said the money for the program was set aside through the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council as part of a three-year plan for utilities and projects for things like heating systems, weatherization and heat pumps.

Campbell said the acceleration and pace of needed projects ramped up and no one expected the program to run out of funds; including National Grid.

Now as the utility company asks for an additional $135 million to continue to serve income-eligible customers through 2024, organizations like WCAC are working with their clients on other avenues to save money.

“This is challenging for certain, but we have other funds through Eversource Gas Program and through the Department of Energy, so we're able to keep contractors working that work closely with us and to keep those projects going," Campbell said. "And we feel hopeful and confident that on August 6, when the DPU has the hearings, that this modification will be approved and we'll be able to continue work, but we'll have to wait and see until that happens.”

Right now, National Grid has approval to spend approximately $300 million over the 2022-2024 period across electric and gas income eligible programs, but that amount has been exhausted.

In a statement to Spectrum News 1, National Grid said, “We look forward to continuing to provide our stakeholders, partners and customers with ongoing updates on this matter as events warrant and will lift the pause as soon as new funding has been approved.”

WCAC reiterates they are working with anyone impacted by the pause directly.