WMGLD Reaches Out To Customers Affected By Government Shutdown

A release from Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department:

WAKEFIELD – Public power utilities across the country, like the Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department (WMGLD), are offering their help to those affected by the shutdown of the Federal government and to all residential customers who may be facing financial hardship.

The WMGLD is encouraging its customers to contact customer service to discuss individual payment options if they are having difficulty paying their bill.

“We understand that the shutdown of the Federal government may be creating a hardship for employees and their families, especially during the prime heating season,” General Manager Pete Dion said. “We would like to assure them, as well as those facing long-term hardship, that the WMGLD always works with its customers to make payment arrangements and we will refer them to agencies that can provide additional services, if necessary. This includes their eligibility for any and all federal, state, local, community or private assistance programs to help pay their utility bills.

“If a customer is a furloughed federal employee and is having difficulty paying their bill, they should let us know. We know that the shutdown is beyond their control and may put a strain on their finances,” he added. “As always, we’re here for our customers when and where they need us, and our customer service representatives are ready to discuss any of our customers' concerns and help them during this trying time.”In addition to creating a payment plan to address hardship, the WMGLD has an informational pamphlet for residential customers that contains information about the programs that are available through various federal, state and local agencies, including income guidelines and contact information, as well as program guidelines.

"The WMGLD has a long history of helping its customers who are in need of assistance,” the General Manager continued. “Our customer service representatives not only discuss payment options with our customers, they also discuss social service and agency resources that the customer may qualify for, as well as provide them with the information they need, if they are eligible.”

Customers affected by the government shutdown, as well as anyone facing long-term or temporary financial difficulties, are encouraged to call the WMGLD at 781-246-6363. To receive a copy of the informational pamphlet on services and programs that are available to residential customers, contact the WMGLD or visit the website www.wmgld.com.