National Grid, which serves 20 million customers in New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, is directing $500,000 to support customers affected by the health impacts, financial hardships, and disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding will provide immediate relief to families and individuals in need and bolster efforts by local organizations to assist communities in its coverage area, according to a release from National Grid.

A portion of the funds will be dedicated directly to National Grid’s customers experiencing financial hardship. The Company will also work with community-based organizations and funds to help support many of the basic needs being interrupted.

In addition, National Grid has taken the following steps to further protect the safety and well-being of our customers and employees:

— Suspending collections-related activities, including service disconnections, to lessen any financial hardship the COVID-19 pandemic may have on customers;

— Encouraging customers who are struggling to pay their National Grid bill to contact the company as soon as possible for assistance;

— Offering the expertise of its Consumer Advocates, who provide crisis intervention support for customers in need, working closely with state and county Social Services and community assistance organizations; and

— Requiring its employees to take precautionary measures before entering a customer’s home to limit exposure.