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October 17, 2025

Pressley Urges National Grid, Eversource to Suspend Utility Shutoffs for Federal Workers & Contractors During Government Shutdown

Due to Republican Shutdown, Tens of Thousands of Workers and Contractors in Massachusetts are Missing Wages and May be Unable to Pay Utility Bills

Letter to National Grid | Letter to Eversource

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) urged National Grid and Eversource, the primary gas and electric companies serving communities in Massachusetts, to issue an immediate moratorium on utility shutoffs for households impacted by the government shutdown, including federal workers, federal contractors, and the people who depend on them.

The Congresswoman’s letters come as the Republican-manufactured government shutdown has caused the more than 45,000 dedicated federal workers in the Commonwealth—most of whom reside in the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District—to miss paychecks and be left without the ability to pay their utility bills. The Congresswoman’s letters also follow Governor Maura Healey’s first-of-its kind, comprehensive review of gas and electric rates and charges to identify ways to lower customer costs.

“For no fault of their own, federal workers and contractors are missing wages and may be unable to pay their utility bills,” the Congresswoman wrote in her letters. “Terminating service due to nonpayment translates to a lack of heat, electricity, internet, and other essentials. A disruption in service will undoubtedly disrupt learning for kids, diminish resources for elders, and endanger the health and safety of entire families.”

In her letters, Congresswoman Pressley called on Eversource and National Grid to continue all utility services and offer a payment deferral program to households impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. She emphasized that such a program should not require a down payment, nor should it carry interest or fees, to fully mitigate the financial burden.

“In moments of financial hardship, your customers need relief, not greater strain,” Congresswoman Pressley continued in her letters. “Tens of thousands of federal workers, federal contractors, and people who depend on them should not be punished for their commitment to serving our nation. Instead, they should be rewarded with compassion, understanding, and flexibility.”

A copy of the letter sent to National Grid is available here, and to Eversource is available here.

Amid the Republican-manufactured government shutdown, Rep. Pressley has continued to fight to defend healthcare, reopen the government, and protect federal workers and the essential services they provide.

  • Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning Republicans after they chose to shut down the government rather than work with Democrats to protect families and save healthcare for millions.
  • Just days into the government shutdown, Rep. Pressley held an emergency convening in Boston to highlight the harm of the shutdown to MA-07 constituents – federal workers, patients, advocates, and more.
  • Amid government shutdown, Rep. Pressley and Senator Tina Smith reintroduced bill to provide back pay for federal contract workers, including low-wage food service and janitorial staff.
  • Just hours before the Republicans shut down the government, Rep. Pressley rallied with advocates, colleagues, and impacted folks to demand Republicans protect healthcare and keep the government open
  • Congresswoman Pressley stood in solidarity with workers and families who would be impacted by the government shutdown.
  • Rep. Pressley also joined an all-day event with House Democrats to hold the line against Trump and Republicans’ efforts to rip away healthcare from millions of Americans.

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