All Mainers should be able to stay warm and safe this winter. With rising heating costs, more and more people are struggling to pay their heating bills. Fortunately, there are a number of resources available for help this winter. We hope this list will help you know what supports and programs are available and how to navigate them.
General heating resources - all heat sources
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
HEAP, also called LIHEAP, helps Mainers with low and moderate incomes pay for heating fuel, including firewood, oil, electricity and gas. The amount of HEAP that eligible households get depends on household size, income, heating costs, and other factors. There is no need to wait for an appointment to apply for heating assistance. You can apply at any time online here. If you prefer an in-person or phone appointment, you can apply at your local Community Action Program (CAP) agency.
Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECIP)
The ECIP is available if you are facing a heating emergency between November 1 and April 30. If you have a heating emergency, call your local CAP agency and tell them that you need emergency heating assistance. Once you are found eligible, you should get help within 48 hours.
211
For additional help that may be available in your area, 211 Maine is a great place to start and 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.
General Assistance
General Assistance (GA) is a program that can help people for basic necessities such as current utility bills, rent/mortgage, and other basic costs of living like food or medicine. Each town has its own GA program - contact your town office to check eligiblity and apply. If you are unable to reach your town office or you have questions or concerns, call the Maine General Assistance toll-free hotline at 1-800-442-6003.
Electric
Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP)
If you receive residential electric service from an electric utility, like CMP or Versant, and you are not living in government-subsidized housing, you may be eligible for help paying your electric bills through your electric utility’s Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP). Ask your local CAP agency to help you apply, or contact your electricity provider directly and ask about the LIAP program. Learn more: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/energydetails/low-income-assistance-program
Arrearage Management Program (AMP)
The Arrearage Management Program (AMP) is an assistance program designed to help eligible low-income residential customers who are behind on their electricity bills. If you are thinking about applying for the AMP program, we would recommend that you read the Pine Tree Legal Assistance’s guide to AMP.
- If you are a CMP customer you can apply for AMP online.
- If you are a Versant customer can apply for AMP online.
Oil
Find the lowest oil prices in your area
You can compare oil prices based on fuel type and where you live at MaineOil.com.
Wood
Wood banks
If you need firewood, WoodBanks.org has a list of firewood banks across the state.
Weatherization and Repair
Weatherization
If your home is not as energy efficient as it could be, you may qualify for home weatherization improvements through the Weatherization Program. You can apply for weatherization benefits at your local CAP agency. You can also look at Efficiency Maine’s offerings.
Central Heating Improvement programs
If your heating system is in need of repair or replacement, you may qualify for the Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP). You can apply for this help at your local CAP agency.
Resources for parents/caregivers of children
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Are you a parent or caretaker of a minor child? You may be eligible for TANF. To get TANF you must be the parent or guardian of a minor child who is living with you at least 50% of the time and have a very low income. You can apply on DHHS’ My Maine Connection.
Alternative Aid
You must be eligible for TANF, but not getting TANF, to receive Alternative Aid. You can apply for Alternative Aid for expenses that will help you get or keep a job. It is often used for car repairs that will allow you to continue working, but Alternative Aid can also help with security deposits or other large expenses. You can apply on DHHS’ My Maine Connection.
Emergency Assistance
Whether or not you are receiving TANF, you can apply to DHHS for Emergency Assistance in one month in a 12-month period. You can get help with emergency housing, home repairs, utilities, special medical needs or disaster relief. You can apply on DHHS’ My Maine Connection.
Additional Resources and Information
Department of Energy Resources Office
The Department of Energy Resources has a helpful website and a lot of sharable resources:
Office of the Public Advocate
Maine’s Office of the Public Advocate, which represents the interests of Maine utility consumers, has additional resources on their website here and below:
The Attorney General’s Consumer Guide to home fuel pricing and delivery: https://www.maine.gov/ag/consumer-protection/consumer-help-topics/housing/home-heating-fuels
Resources by County/Town
Some towns and counties have additional places to find help. If you know of a resource to add to this list, please email us.
Cumberland County
Freeport Community Services Food and Fuel Assistance (Freeport and Pownal)
Provides emergency fuel assistance in the form of wood, wood pellets, K-1 propane, or #2 heating oil to those in need in Freeport and Pownal.
Lincoln County
Community Energy Fund of Lincoln County
The Community Energy Fund of Lincoln County (CEF) was formed to help those in need, within our community, who do not necessarily qualify for state or federal heating assistance programs. The fund is primarily used to provide fuel, such as heating oil, kerosene, electricity, propane or wood.
Community Housing Improvement Project (CHIP)
CHIP provide services such as weatherproofing, replacement of windows and doors, handicap access ramps, and electrical and plumbing repairs for homeowners in central and eastern Lincoln County who are not able to do so themselves because of illness, disability, or financial need.
Community Resource Council Fuel Fund (Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, Southport)
The Fuel Fund is a heating assistance program of the Community Resource Council that assists residents of the Boothbay Peninsula by providing financial assistance and referrals for home heating needs. The Fuel Fund runs from November 15–April 15.
York County
York County Council’s Affordable Housing Heating Assistance Program
Provides families with fuel (oil/kerosene, propane, or electricity) when all other avenues are exhausted. Families must be income eligible.
