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New analysis indicates Maine’s dependence on home heating oil is gradually declining, though Maine remains the most heating oil dependent state in the nation |
November 9th, 2023
Augusta, MAINE – The Governor's Energy Office (GEO) today released an updated winter heating guide to help Mainers save money and keep warm this winter. The guide is available to view and download on the Governor’s Energy Office website.
"We are pleased to share this comprehensive resource with Maine people," said Dan Burgess, Director of GEO. "As we approach winter, energy prices are expected to be lower than the prior two years; however, volatile energy markets around the world continue to impact heating bills here at home and we hope that Maine people will turn to the winter heating guide for options to save money on home heating and increase their home's energy efficiency.”
The guide includes key information, helpful tips, and links to online resources where consumers can explore topics like heat pumps, wood and propane heating, and energy assistance programs. The guide encourages consumers to learn more about initiatives, energy efficiency incentive programs, and heating assistance via MaineHousing, Efficiency Maine, the Maine Public Utilities Commission, the Maine Emergency Management Agency, the Office of the Public Advocate, and the GEO. Consumers can also stay up to date on the latest heating fuel and electricity prices by visiting the GEO website.
A recent forecast from the U.S. Energy Information Agency estimates that while the cost of heating with propane and electricity will remain relatively stable this winter, costs for heating oil could be somewhat higher due to elevated prices going into winter and the potential weather outlook.
While Maine is the most heating oil dependent state in the nation, new data from the U.S. Census Bureau also shows that the state’s dependence on heating oil is gradually declining.
From 2018-2022, Maine saw a 10 percent decrease in heating oil as a primary fuel for home heating with an increase in households utilizing electricity during that time.
The period coincides with record adoption of high efficiency air source heat pumps in Maine, which surpassed the state’s goal of 100,000 new installations in July 2023, two years ahead of schedule. As of 2022, 56 percent of Maine homes are reliant on heating oil compared to 4 percent nationally.
Earlier this year, Governor Mills committed to accelerating Maine’s transition to using 100 percent clean energy by 2040, a move that would ensure that high efficiency heating technologies in Maine – such as heat pumps – are powered by clean electricity to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Currently, Maine ranks 5th in the U.S. for energy efficiency policy, according to the ACEEE.
With winter setting in, the GEO encourages Maine people to see how they can reduce their home heating costs and stay warm all season by reviewing the 2023 Maine Winer Heating Guide, which is available to download here.
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