By Rep. Kristi Mathieson
Fall has arrived, and while it might be my favorite season, the cooler weather means that the cold winter months are right around the corner. How my family is going to heat our home in the upcoming months – and how much it will cost – has been on my mind.
The rising cost of living, from expensive healthcare to increasing utility bills, is one of the most common issues that I have been hearing about consistently from constituents. It’s hitting a lot of Maine families hard, especially those on fixed incomes.
While recent actions from the federal government have created some funding instability, there are fortunately still resources available to help folks afford to heat their homes. The Legislature has taken steps to support existing reliable home heating resources here in our state that will help more families stay warm this winter.
MaineHousing’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps pay for heating fuel for eligible households, and applications are now available for both homeowners and renters. While the program is set to accept applications until May 29, 2026, I strongly encourage you to check your eligibility and apply as soon as possible, as available funds could run out before then.
You can apply for this program, and all the others below, through our local community action agency, which is York County Community Action Corp (YCCAC). You can visit their website here or reach them by phone at 207-324-5762.
Right in Kittery, we also have Mainspring and Fuel & More, which is a local community hub that helps offer access to General Assistance and other programs all in one space. For more information, visit their websites at the links above or give them a call at 207-439-0246.
If there comes a time this winter when you find yourself in a situation with an extremely low supply of heating fuel, consider reaching out for crisis assistance through the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). The applications for this program open on Nov. 1 and will be accepted through April 30, 2026 – but available funds may run out before April.
Those who rely on electricity for heat may also be eligible for help with their electric utility bills through the Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP).
Additionally, if you are starting to run into issues with your heating system, MaineHousing’s Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP) provides grants to assist with expensive heating system repairs or replacements to eligible households. These changes can help families save costs for years to come. Some households may also qualify for low-cost energy loans to make repairs or upgrades.
Remember, these options are here to help, so please don’t hesitate to utilize them if you qualify. If you need assistance in navigating any of these programs, I would be happy to help.
Efficiency Maine also plays a crucial role in supporting energy-efficient initiatives, including insulation improvements and heat pump installations. For those interested in installing heat pumps, rebates are available. Additionally, Efficiency Maine offers an energy audit, which you may qualify for at no cost, to help identify where your home could be losing heat through gaps or poor insulation and to help find ways to make your home more weathertight. You should also take a look at their free energy efficiency kit, which can include water aerators and an energy-efficient shower head.
While the Legislature has stepped up to provide critical heating resources, I know that very likely won’t be enough, and some of our community members may still struggle this winter. If you’re facing difficulties as the thermometer dips, please don’t hesitate to utilize these programs. They’re here to help you. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please reach out to me, and I may be able to connect folks with resources.
You can reach me by email at Kristi.Mathieson@legislature.maine.gov or by phone at (603) 969-7496 with questions and concerns, or if you need assistance navigating any state services. I can best represent our community by hearing from you about the issues you care about, both in our district and across the state.
Mathieson is serving her third term in the Maine House representing Kittery and is House chair of the Legislature’s Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee.