To me, home heating oil has always been expensive. That’s why I was thrilled we were able to take advantage of now-expired tax credits to get heat pumps installed in our Maine home. However, not all Mainers are as lucky as we are.
How to Find Heating Help This Winter in Maine
I know many Mainers are facing hugely expensive home heating oil bills this winter, especially if they never were given the choice of a price plan or locked-in price from their oil delivery supplier. With diesel fuel north of $6 at the gas pump, chances are heating oil is priced similarly, which will be a real shock to the system when you get that first delivery of the season.
That’s why we wanted to put together this article on how and where to find heating help this winter in Maine. There are many fewer options available, especially after the Trump Administration in 2025 cut the entire federal heating assistance staff from The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. While some of the Maine Congressional delegation has fought to restore some of that help, not all of it is back online at this point. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance funds (LIHEA) is usually available starting October 1, but there’s been no confirmation this will happen on time, even with heating oil up almost 75 percent by some estimates.
Hopefully, some of the ideas we’re sharing here can help fill the gap.
Non-profits in Maine
While organizations like Maine Needs (where, full disclosure, I’m a regular volunteer) does not provide financial assistance beyond bus passes and some grocery gift cards, when requested by registered clients with the organization, it has shared on its social media channels two ways other Maine nonprofits can help:
- Keep ME Warm provides emergency heating assistance through a statewide partnership of Maine’s United Ways and Community Action Agencies. You can donate to help here: https://uwsme.org/keep-me-warm/
- And you can find out about how to get help by calling 211 or visiting 211maine.org.
Firewood Banks
Many Maine homes have wood stoves to help heat their homes. Not surprisingly, the state has a handful of firewood banks, which the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry explains is run through a non profit called Maine Wood Banks. Its website offers a list of firewood banks as well as ways for loggers and others to share their cut wood with those in need. As of this writing, there are active firewood banks in the Greater Portland Area, along the Midcoast as well as Kennebec County.
Community Assistance Programs
Outside of LIHEAP, there are some hyperlocal community assistance programs run by towns and municipalities. Some focus on help paying electricity bills, if that’s how you heat your home. One offers general heating assistance. As per Maine.gov:
The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) provides emergency fuel assistance to HEAP-eligible households. A household may be eligible for up to $800 in emergency funds to avert an energy crisis between November 1-April 30.
Look for programs with names like “Warm Thy Neighbor” or keywords like “fuel assistance.” Even the Southern Maine Agency of Aging may have resources to help older Mainers find heating help.
Upgraded Insulation and Windows
You may qualify for subsidized new, energy-efficient windows through Window Dressers. They are called insulating inserts.
At the same time, now might be a good time to invest in weather stripping around windows and doors and other DIY home insulation products so however you heat your home, more of that heat stays inside and does not escape through cracks or leaks.
Share Other Resources with Readers
We’ll continue to dig for additional resources to help Mainers find heating help this winter. In the meantime, please post a comment and share any resources you’re aware of that might help your fellow Mainers stay warm.
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