Opinion/Guest column: Partners in energy for families in Mass

Energy is foundational to our daily lives, and our communities are only as strong as the systems that connect them. Whether keeping families warm and comfortable at home or powering the economic growth that creates new opportunities, safe, reliable and affordable energy plays an important role across Massachusetts.

Meeting those needs means ensuring energy is both accessible and dependable. Utilities invest in critical infrastructure to reliably serve neighborhoods while helping customers access affordable services, especially at a time when many Massachusetts residents are challenged by rising costs.

But no single organization can address these challenges alone. The greatest progress happens when utilities and community service organizations work together, identifying regional needs and working to advance innovative solutions.

For more than a century, the United Way of Central Massachusetts, National Grid and the National Grid Foundation have collaborated on such a mission. For decades, our organizations have shared time, talent and resources to better the lives of hundreds of thousands of residents across Massachusetts. That long-standing partnership is why the United Way of Central Massachusetts is proud to present National Grid and the National Grid Foundation with the 2026 Stoddard Award, recognizing their significant impact on both the United Way and the larger Massachusetts community.

Through this collaboration, the United Way of Central Massachusetts does more than administer funding, we connect resources to real lives. By supporting bill assistance, expanding outreach to affordability programs and advancing energy efficiency efforts, we help seniors and income-eligible families manage rising costs with dignity. This work is made possible through trusted partnerships with organizations on the front lines, including Catholic Charities of Central Massachusetts, Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, Elder Services of the Worcester Area, Project New Hope, Veterans Inc. and Worcester Community Action Council, ensuring resources reach those most in need. And on the coldest days of the year, like we’ve experienced time and again this season, ongoing support for heating and electric assistance ensures that families facing hardship are not left behind.

A community-centered approach also means keeping essential institutions running 24/7. From hospitals and fire departments to food banks and community centers, these organizations rely on access and resiliency to fulfill their critical obligations.

Behind that work are thousands of dedicated employees and volunteers who often operate quietly, out of public view, ensuring the lights stay on, issues are resolved, funding reaches a program and an unmet need is fulfilled.

At its core, energy is a community service. Our shared commitment is to strengthen the health, safety and well-being of the communities we jointly serve.

As we mark 106 years of partnership, we remain steadfast in that commitment and look forward to the work ahead, creating the conditions for families, businesses and communities to thrive for many years to come.

By: Robert Simmons is vice president, National Grid social impact and community engagement, and executive director of the National Grid Foundation. Tim Garvin is president and CEO of the United Way of Central Massachusetts.