RESOURCES & SUPPORT
HELP WITH HEAT & ENERGY COSTS IN MAINE
With the war in Iran driving up energy costs, many Mainers are facing a hard and expensive winter ahead. But no one has to face it alone. There are free wood banks, assistance programs for overdue bills, help with weatherization, and more. If you’re worried about staying warm this winter, here are some resources to help navigate high costs and low temperatures:
Locate the cheapest oil near you
MaineOil.com lets you filter by fuel type and region to view prices at retailers near you so you can find the cheapest option.
Find free firewood
WoodBanks.org has a list of free firewood banks in every corner of Maine.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Visit www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy to apply for assistance with fuel costs, emergency fuel delivery, energy-related repairs, and utility payments.
Efficiency Maine Weatherization Incentives
Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP)
Your local community action agency helps provide emergency fuel assistance to eligible households. Find a community action agency near you right here: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/liheap-agency-contacts
MaineHousing Weatherization Program
MaineHousing has trained energy professionals who will evaluate your home and make recommendations to improve efficiency and cut energy waste. Weatherization services are provided at no cost to eligible households. Learn more: https://mainehousing.org/programs-services/HomeImprovement/homeimprovementdetail/weatherization
Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP)
MaineHousing’s CHIP program provides heating system repair and replacement, prioritizing households that have no heat. More information here: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/HomeImprovement/homeimprovementdetail/Central-Heating-Improvement-Program
MaineHousing Heat Pump Program
MaineHousing’s Heat Pump Program helps cover the cost and installation of heat pumps to keep your home warm through the winter. Find options: https://supportmaine.com/resources/mainehousing-heat-pump/
Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP)
LIAP provides a credit on electric bills to help low-income renters and homeowners pay for electricity. Learn more: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/energydetails/low-income-assistance-program
Natural Gas Customer Discounts
Natural gas customers who are eligible for HEAP can apply through your utility provider to receive a discount on delivery and gas supply rates. Look up your utility provider: https://www.maine.gov/meopa/electricity/utilities
General Assistance
General Assistance helps residents meet immediate needs, including fuel and utilities. Contact your town office to learn more, check your eligibility, and apply. If you are unable to reach your municipal office or you have questions or concerns, you can call the Maine General Assistance toll-free hotline at 1-800-442-6003.
WindowDressers
This volunteer-led organization builds insulating window inserts that are provided free of charge to those with low incomes, and at low cost for middle- and higher-income households. Learn more here: https://windowdressers.org/
Not sure where to start? 211 Maine is available 24/7 to help connect you to services. Reach out by dialing 211, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, visiting 211maine.org, or emailing info@211maine.org.
If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. If you need emotional or crisis support, call or text 988.
