The leaves are beginning to change and the mornings are becoming colder here in Dover-Foxcroft, meaning that winter is right around the corner. Around town, many of our neighbors have already expressed their concerns to me about struggling to heat their homes this winter due to the rising costs of oil and electricity. According to the Governor's Energy Office, as of September 26, the average price of heating oil in northern Maine has risen almost 70 percent over the past year, increasing from $2.71 per gallon to $4.51 per gallon.
This is a worrying trend for our community. However, there is help out there for those that need it. Penquis, a nonprofit organization that serves Piscataquis County, is administering a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). They will be able to assist income-eligible households with heating costs. This applies to homes that are heated by oil, kerosene, coal, pellets, wood, LP gas or electricity. You can book an appointment with Penquis on their website here or by calling 207-973-3630 or 1-800-215-4942. The approval process can take some time, so I encourage you to apply as early as possible.
In addition to HEAP, Maine Housing has a weatherization program that provides grants to low-income homeowners and renters to improve home energy efficiency. If you're eligible for HEAP, then you would also be eligible for this program as well. You can reach Maine Housing's Weatherization Program by email at or by phone at 207-626-4639. You can also find more information on their website here.
As always, I am here to help connect you with state programs and resources that are available to help. You can reach me here by email or call my legislative office at 207-287-1430.
Evans is a physician and surgeon and represents the communities of Atkinson, Brownville, Dover-Foxcroft, Lake View, Medford, Milo, and Orneville Township in Piscataquis County. He serves on the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee.