Representatives Mark Falzone is encouraging constituents to contact Energy Bucks (1-866-LESS-COST, a href="http://www.energybucks.com">www.energybucks.com) to see what cost-saving and energy efficiency services they qualify for. Energy Bucks is an integrated campaign that creates “one-stop-shopping” for energy assistance services and enables Massachusetts residents to better understand and apply for programs that can help them manage their energy costs.

Representative Mark Falzone noted, “With the current economic climate, this winter is going to be terribly difficult for low-income and working families and the elderly trying to heat their homes. The frigid weather has set in and we want to spread the word that help is available so that families can stay warm.”

Through Energy Bucks, qualified families can receive discounted rates for fuel assistance, electricity and gas, and energy efficient appliances. By spreading the word about the resources available, Energy Bucks links residents to programs that will help them stretch their dollars as the weather gets colder and budgets get tighter.

Energy efficiency services are available to families at little or no cost depending on their income, and can include new insulation, repair or replacement of their heating system, and energy efficient light bulbs. Typically, a family of four can qualify for some form of assistance or energy efficiency services if their income is less than $4,124 a month. These services can help qualified families save up to 30% on their energy bills by insulating and weatherizing their homes, and repairing or replacing a heating system.

“Many people go without help simply because they don’t know about all the great programs available to them,” said Elliot Jacobson, chairman of the Low-Income Affordability Network. “More than 800,000 Massachusetts households are eligible for some level of energy assistance, but less than 40 percent participate.”

To find out if you qualify for assistance, visit www.energybucks.com or call 1-866-LESS-COST. Energy Bucks is sponsored by Massachusetts utilities including National Grid, NSTAR Electric & Gas, KeySpan Energy Delivery, Unitil, Western Massachusetts Electric Company, Berkshire Gas, Bay State Gas, and the Cape Light Compact in collaboration with the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) and the Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN).