Low-Income Resources

If you are experiencing difficulty paying your bills, contact your utility immediately to discuss options including:

• Payment arrangements
• Financial assistance programs
• Tips for improving efficiency
• Usage and billing alerts

Electricity & Heat

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

• Helps renters and homeowners pay for heating costs, including electric heat as well as oil, propane, natural gas, and others.
• Can be accessed through your Community Action Agency
• Qualifying for LIHEAP helps open the door to several other assistance programs, including the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), which provides emergency fuel assistance.
   

Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP)

• Helps consumers pay for electricity costs.
• Many people apply for LIHEAP and LIAP at the same time by working with their Community Action Agency.
• Customers who participate in a DHHS program can apply for the LIAP here.
• Some Mainers will receive a letter from DHHS stating they qualify for LIAP and should contact their utility to enroll.
   

Arrearage Management Program (AMP)

• Helps reduce past-due electricity bills.
• Can be accessed through your Community Action Agency.
   

General Assistance

• Assists with basic needs such as fuel and food.
• Contact your town office to learn more, check eligibility 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.
   

Efficiency Maine offers rebates, resources and guidance to reduce energy use.

Other Resources:

• NEW! Governor's Energy Office Winter Heating Guide
• How to Reduce your Electric Bill (PDF)
• How to Avoid Disconnection (PDF)
• How to Reconnect (PDF)

 

Internet

Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service.

• Eligible consumers can get up to $9.25 off the cost of phone, internet, or bundled services.
• Learn more at https://www.lifelinesupport.org
   

Affordable Connectivity Program

• Customers can receive a discount of up to $30 per month (up to $75 per month for qualifying tribal households) and a one-time $100 discount toward a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet.
• To learn more, visit www.maineconnectivity.org/affordability.

 

Natural Gas

Unitil, Bangor Gas and Maine Natural Gas customers may be eligible for a 30% discount on delivery and gas supply rates.

The discount applies to all customers identified by the Maine State Housing Authority as eligible for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Apply for LIHEAP with your local Community Action Agency.

Contact your utility to learn more.

Telephone

Check out this page to learn more about Free and Low-Cost Phone Services.

Water

Maine Water Assistance Program closed June 30, 2023. We will update this site in the event of any changes. In the meantime, contact 2-1-1 to talk about other options.