Fall River, MA November 1, 2022—As the winter season approaches, Liberty wants to inform customers about expected increases in energy costs around the globe, including natural gas. Liberty understands the hardship some customers may face and has a host of resources, energy efficiency programs, and financial assistance programs that can help customers manage increased costs and overall energy usage in the winter.

“With inflation impacting the cost of consumer goods across the board, we know that rising energy costs can be burdensome for our customers,” said Tatiana Roc, President of Liberty Massachusetts. “We want our customers to know that we are here to help, and we offer many helpful resources, payment options, and money-saving programs to provide peace of mind during the winter season.”

One way Liberty aims to help customers is by participating in a community Energy Fair Thursday, December 1. Liberty representatives will join other utility providers and community organizations serving Fall River and surrounding areas at City Hall, 1 Government Center, in Fall River from 4 – 7pm for the event. The Liberty team will help customers understand and enroll in an option that works best for them – levelized budget billing, financial assistance, a special payment plan, or another suitable program.

Managing Costs and Usage with Liberty  

Liberty’s longstanding commitment to helping customers save energy and money includes numerous financial and energy savings programs.  

  • Financial Assistance – If customers are struggling to pay their bill, there are financial programs available. Liberty’s dedicated assistance webpage includes more information about these programs.
  • Budget Billing – By enrolling in budget billing now, customers can choose a payment plan calculated by the average monthly bill based on a rolling 12-month history, making it easier for customers to have consistent, predictable payments and avoid unexpected costs. Learn more about Liberty’s budget billing program here.
  • Community Action Programs – Customers can contact their local Community Action Program to see if they qualify for financial assistance. Customers can also find their local agency
  • Energy Saving Tips - The less energy you use, the more you can save. Liberty’s website has useful tips on how to conserve energy. Learn more here.
  • Energy Efficiency Programs – Liberty is a sponsor of MassSave®, a statewide collaborative program that provides free home energy audits, rebates and incentives for using high efficiency equipment, and other energy efficiency programs. Visit the MassSave website to learn about programs that can help Liberty customers save energy.

Why Energy Prices are Rising

The cost of gas is based on the market price. The energy market, like many other markets, is affected by a variety of factors, such as storms, supply chain issues, and general uncertainty. Currently, the war in Ukraine has created a greater demand for domestically produced natural gas while storage difficulties have lowered supply. All of these factors are driving up energy prices across the country.

That said, Liberty strives to keep costs as stable as possible. The price Liberty pays for natural gas is passed through to our customers without an increase. The ‘Cost of Gas’ charge on the Liberty bill is where customers will see the increase. This charge may increase or decrease on a month-to-month basis, based on market price.

About Liberty

Part of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., Liberty is committed to providing safe and reliable natural gas, water, and electricity distribution services to over one million customer connections. Liberty’s utility operations are primarily located in the United States and Canada and have expanded to Chile and Bermuda. With a customer-centric approach to management, Liberty seeks to provide a superior customer experience through local management of walk-in centers, conservation and energy efficiency initiatives, and programs for businesses and residential customers. We measure our performance in terms of service reliability, customer satisfaction, and public and workplace safety. Liberty’s North American distribution operations include Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas in the United States, and New Brunswick in Canada. 

For more information, please visit www.libertyenergyandwater.com.  

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements included in this news release contain information that may be "forward-looking" for purposes of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). The words "will", "expects" and similar expressions are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements are based on factors or assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including assumptions based on historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Since forward-looking statements relate to future events and conditions, by their very nature they require making assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that although it is believed that the assumptions are reasonable in the circumstances, these risks and uncertainties give rise to the possibility that actual results may differ materially from the expectations set out in the forward-looking statements. Material risk factors include those set out in the Management Discussion & Analysis and Annual Information Form of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. for the year ended December 31, 2021, each of which is available on SEDAR and EDGAR. Given these risks, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of their dates. Other than as specifically required by law, Liberty undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.

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