The Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) conducts a weekly survey of heating fuel prices, obtained from fuel retailers statewide. This survey provides the current Maine cash prices, in dollars, rounded to the nearest penny. Prices are typically updated on Thursdays.
Maine Retail Heating Fuel Prices, as of January 23, 2023*
| Heating Fuel | Statewide | Southwest/ West- Central |
Southeast/ Greater Portland |
Central | East/ Downeast | Northern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heating Oil - Average | $4.44 | $4.36 | $4.42 | $4.46 | $4.46 | $4.53 |
| Heating Oil - High | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | $4.75 |
| Heating Oil - Low | $3.80 | $3.90 | $3.80 | $4.00 | $3.94 | $4.20 |
|
Kerosene |
$5.82 | $5.64 | $5.88 | $5.88 | $5.75 | $6.03 |
|
Propane |
$3.29 | $3.52 | $3.64 | $3.15 | $3.11 | $3.05 |
*Please Note: The price for the various heating fuels are statewide averages, and prices in a given geographic region of the state may be considerably higher or lower than this average. These statewide averages are spot cash prices, and not ‘pre-buy’, introductory, or otherwise discounted prices. Average propane prices are 30-day cash/credit prices, based on consumption of at least 900 gallons a year. Households using propane just for cooking or hot water generally pay a higher per gallon price.
The Governor’s Energy Office has developed a guide to assist consumers in obtaining the best propane price for their household and location. The guide can be accessed here - Propane 101 Consumer Guide (PDF).
Retail Heating Fuel Prices In New England
| State | Week of January 23, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $4.67 |
| Maine | $4.44 |
| Massachusetts | $4.71 |
| New Hampshire | $4.60 |
| Rhode Island | $4.66 |
| Vermont | $4.53 |
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Heating Fuel Prices per Million Btu
Below is a table that compares various heating fuels, on a dollar per million Btu (heating unit). Consumers will then need to consider the efficiency of their heating system(s) to estimate their overall heating costs.
Prices per Million Btu as of January 23, 2023
| Heating Type | Unit | Fuel Price Per Unit | Fuel Price ($ per million Btu) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firewood | Cord | $350 | $15.91 |
| Wood Pellets | Ton | $312 | $18.91 |
| Natural Gas | Therm | $1.945 to $3.58 | $19.45 - $35.88 |
| Electricity - Heat Pump Water Heater | kWh | $.239 to $.281 | $23.51 - $27.64 |
| Electricity - Air Source Heat Pump | kWh | $.239 to $.281 | $23.91 - $28.11 |
| Electricity - Baseboard | kWh | $.239 to $.281 | $70.05 - $82.36 |
| Heating Oil | Gallon | $4.44 | $32.01 |
| Kerosene | Gallon | $5.82 | $43.11 |
| Propane | Gallon | $3.29 | $36.02 |
Notes
- Firewood: Prices are based on an informal survey of dealers across the state and include (1) a minimum of 2 cord purchase of partially seasoned wood and (2) local delivery charges.
- Wood Pellets: Prices are based on an informal survey of dealers across the state and include (1) average prices per ton, (2) Maine produced pellets in 40lb bags, and (3) local delivery charges. Bulk pellet prices may be slightly higher.
- Natural Gas: Prices include minimum monthly fees and are dependent on location as natural gas and electricity delivery companies operate only in selected areas of the state.
- Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) and Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP): Final fuel prices (i.e., far right column) reflect the increased efficiency of HPWHs and ASHPs. According to Efficiency Maine Trust and when compared to electric resistance heating, HPWHs are 2.98 times more efficient and ASHPs are 2.93 times more efficient. To obtain a theoretical and relative fuel price per unit, divide the price per kWh by 2.98 or 2.93 depending on your technology (e.g., $0.2099 for an ASHP is like paying $0.0716 for electric resistance heating).
- Electric Heating: All electricity prices include monthly minimum fees
Historical Heating Fuel Prices
2021-22 Weekly Heating Fuel Prices
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021