ATHOL — In case you missed it, National Grid announced last month that electric customers will be getting whacked with an eye-popping rate hike beginning Nov. 1. The average monthly bill of a typical residential electric customer using 600 kWh, said company officials, will increase from $179 in the winter 2021-2022 season, to approximately $293 for upcoming winter season.
Recently, town officials met with representatives of the North Quabbin Community Coalition and other nonprofits to map strategy for meeting the emergency sheltering needs of homeless residents in the region. Now, with winter approaching, concern extends beyond the homeless to include those who are struggling to maintain a household
Athol Public Health Agent Deb Vondal told the Athol Daily News, “We’re actually discussing both. So, there is a discussion of warming shelters, especially with the higher energy prices everyone is going to be facing this winter, and also the proposed electric rate hike. National Grid is asking for a 64 percent increase. There are many people who use electricity to heat their apartments, even people’s houses.
“Who knows what the weather is going to be doing this year? We never have crystal balls for anything, but it’s all about being prepared.”
Vondal said the issue first arose at a meeting of the Board of Health over the summer, with Assistant Health Agent Jane O’Brien organizing a subsequent meeting of municipal and nonprofit service providers to initially discuss the overall issue of homelessness. Then, in late September, National Grid announced its rate hike.
Vondal explained that a smaller group, made up of representatives of the town’s Fire Department, North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce, North Quabbin Community Coalition, Senior Center and a few others have been meeting to lay the groundwork for the winter.
“There is a discussion of warming centers for now,” she said. “Next summer, that would then translate to cooling centers, and having several locations available. They would be at places people have used in the past; like the library is always available, or the elderly go to the Senior Center, the Salvation Army has been open. So, the details are definitely not nailed down at this point. But we’re looking at several locations.
“We’re also looking at having a coordinated effort, like when it gets to a certain temperature — we’re looking at, I think, 20 degrees is likely when people need (shelter) the most. We need to be able to put out a coordinated message through all the various agencies — the Selectmen’s Office here, the Senior Center, Chamber of Commerce, the Coalition. Somebody would compose one message and share it with key people and then send it out. And, of course, it would only be for hours that the various places are open because there’s a lack of resources and staff.”
Vondal did say options for overnight shelter are also being explored.
“That’s part of the discussion,” she continued. “The Fire Chief (Joseph Guarnera) is in charge of that. He’s identifying right now where the best location would be for an overnight situation, if needed.”
The Health Agent also mentioned that Athol’s Selectboard recently voted to use some of the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) monies the town has received to help subsidize home heating oil and propane for those who need it.
At its meeting on Sept. 13, the board was unanimous in its decision to allocate $200,000 in ARPA funds for fuel assistance. The money would allow for up to $1,000 in one-time fuel oil or propane assistance to low- and moderate-income families, including seniors. That program, Vondal pointed out, is for Athol residents only.
Vondal also noted that an inventory is being done of cots and other equipment that would be needed in the event overnight sheltering must be provided. In addition, she said, some local agencies have a list of vetted volunteers who would assist in case of an emergency.
“There are a lot of details that need to be worked out,” she concluded. “We had that one overall meeting. It was a really good meeting with lots of ideas presented around the table. The smaller group now will work on the incident command structure; that’s being developed right now.”
Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com