Berkshire Gas Discount Rate
We offer several financial assistance programs, including the Discount Rate, to help eligible residential customers facing financial hardship manage energy costs. The Discount Rate will begin November 1, 2026.
Income guidelines and qualifications
Applying for the Discount Rate
Additional assistance and resources
Income guidelines and qualifications
Learn about the eligibility requirements for the Discount Rate.
About the new Discount Rate six-tier structure:
Beginning on November 1, 2026, the Discount Rate will have a six-tier structure. If you qualify, you will receive a discount on your residential natural gas bill. Your discount amount is based on your household income and size and/or qualifying program participation.
Qualifying for the Discount Rate
You may qualify if:
- You are a residential customer (primary dwelling only)
- Your Berkshire Gas account is in your name
- Your income and household size falls within the guidelines and/or you or a member of your household participate in one of the following eligible assistance programs.
Eligible assistance programs
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Mass Health Standard CarePlus, or Limited1
- Federally Subsidized or State-Subsidized Housing
- Public Housing
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Women Infant Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Financial Benefits
- Transitional Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Refugee Resettlement Benefits
- Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC)
- Head Start
- Health Safety Net Plan – Primary or Secondary
- ConnectCare Plan, Types 1, 2, or 3A
- Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for Surviving Spouse or parents of Veterans
Applying for the Discount Rate
There are two ways to apply for the Discount Rate:
Income guidelines (total household)
Please note that FPL refers to Federal Poverty Level and SMI refers to State Minimum Income
Heating Customers
| Household size |
Tier 1 <100% FPL/ |
Tier 2 100% FPL/ |
Tier 3 125% FPL/ |
Tier 4 150% FPL/ |
Tier 5 175% FPL/ |
Tier 6 200% FPL to 60% SMI/ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $19,950 | $23,940 | $27,930 | $31,920 | $53,585 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $27,050 | $32,460 | $37,870 | $43,280 | $70,073 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $34,150 | $40,980 | $47,810 | $54,640 | $86,561 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $41,250 | $49,500 | $57,750 | $66,000 | $103,049 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $48,350 | $58,020 | $67,690 | $77,360 | $119,536 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $55,450 | $59,004 | $77,630 | $88,720 | $136,024 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $62,550 | $66,540 | $87,570 | $100,080 | $139,116 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $69,650 | $83,580 | $97,510 | $111,440 | $139,116 |
Non-Heating
| Household size |
Tier 1 <100% FPL/ |
Tier 2 100% FPL/ |
Tier 3 125% FPL/ |
Tier 4 150% FPL/ |
Tier 5 175% FPL/ |
Tier 6 200% FPL to 60% SMI/ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $19,950 | $23,940 | $27,930 | $31,920 | $53,585 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $27,050 | $32,460 | $37,870 | $43,280 | $70,073 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $34,150 | $40,980 | $47,810 | $54,640 | $86,561 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $41,250 | $49,500 | $57,750 | $66,000 | $103,049 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $48,350 | $58,020 | $67,690 | $77,360 | $119,536 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $55,450 | $59,004 | $77,630 | $88,720 | $136,024 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $62,550 | $66,540 | $87,570 | $100,080 | $139,116 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $69,650 | $83,580 | $97,510 | $111,440 | $139,116 |
Option 1: Get certified through a partner
Contact either Berkshire Community Action Council or Community Action of Pioneer Valley to verify your eligibility. With certification, you may qualify for any available discount tier, depending on your household income, size and program participation.
Pro tip: While chatting, ask them for help identifying any other programs you may be eligible for.
Option 2: Enroll through Berkshire Gas
Please note we cannot certify eligibility for the discount tiers, so customers who enroll through this option will only receive the Tier 6 discount.
You may complete our online form or download the form and:
- Send it via email
- Fax it to us: 413-445-0208
- Mail to: Berkshire Gas, 115 Cheshire Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Additional assistance and FAQs
We are here to help!
Even if you don’t qualify for the Discount Rate, there may be more programs available to help you lower your energy costs. For more information on our other assistance programs, please visit our Help with Bill page.
Frequently asked questions
If you haven't enrolled yet, or if your program participation, household size or income has changed, contact your local Community Action Agency (CAA), either Berkshire Community Action Council or Community Action of Pioneer Valley, who can assist you getting the tier you’re eligible.
If you’re enrolled with us, please note we’re only allowed to enroll customers in Tier 6. To update your tier, contact your local CAA for assistance.
You’ll receive a letter letting you know if your Discount Rate eligibility was approved. You will receive another letter sixty days before your eligibility expires informing you that it’s time to reverify your eligibility. Eligibility will need to be verified every 18 months.