BOSTON (WWLP) - An agreement has been reached between utility companies that will help lower costs for thousands of households in Massachusetts. Tax incentives announced for life science companies in Mass. According to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, MassHealth, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), and five statewide utility companies agreed to deliver automatic discounts on utility bills for Massachusetts residents receiving the following: MassHealth Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC) The goal of this partnership is to alleviate financial burdens for low-income households across Massachusetts. Berkshire Gas, Eversource, Liberty Gas, National Grid, and Unitil have joined in on the agreement. Any MassHealth members and DTA clients will be able to automatically receive discounts of up to 25% on gas expenses and 42% on electric expenses without having to submit any additional paperwork. MassHealth members who are eligible electric customers of National Grid could also receive discounts of up to 71% after the new discount program. This program is expected to go into effect later this year. With this program, the average customer on basic service can now save up to $460 a year on their gas heating bills and up to $1,058 every year on electric bills.  This will help save as much as 25% on your heating bill “Far too many Massachusetts residents struggle to cover the high costs of gas and electric bills, especially as we head into the winter months. We are proud to deliver this landmark agreement that will automatically deliver significant savings for hundreds of thousands of households across the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful for the partnership of Berkshire Gas, Eversource, Liberty Gas, National Grid, and Unitil as we work to make Massachusetts more affordable for everyone."  “This partnership exemplifies how collaboration between state agencies and the private sector can directly improve the lives of Massachusetts residents," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We applaud this partnership between MassHealth, DTA, and utility company leaders and look forward to delivering these savings to the people of Massachusetts.”  “We’re always looking for ways to simplify paperwork for MassHealth members and DTA clients so eligible families and individuals don’t have to jump through hoops to access benefits and savings,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “This partnership means lower utility bills for the households in Massachusetts that need it most and is one of the ways we’re making good on this administration’s commitment to affordability.”  “We’re using every tool we have to cut energy costs for our residents,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We’re at a critical moment in the clean energy transition, and we are seizing this opportunity to rethink how we promote affordability. With tiered discounts and automatic enrollment, these discounts will be transformational for residents who are most in need.”  “This transformative partnership between MassHealth, the Department of Transitional Assistance, and utility companies underscores our commitment to affordability and equity in Massachusetts,” said Mike Levine, Assistant Secretary for MassHealth. “I am grateful to the utility companies participating in this effort.”   “DTA is proud to participate in efforts like this that expand and streamline access to support for the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents,” said DTA Commissioner Jeff McCue. “The money these individuals and families save on their utility bills will be critical in helping them pay for other necessities like food or housing costs.”  Local News Headlines MassHealth, SNAP recipients to receive discounted utility bills National Fossil Day: Where to see fossils in western Massachusetts New Bedford man wins $20,000 a month for 10 years on instant ticket Goldberg seeking new chair as lawmakers mull CCC changes WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.