By: Rep. Kilton Webb, D-Durham
Fall has arrived, and while it’s a great time to admire the changing colors, the cooler weather means that the cold winter months are just right around the corner. Those cold days and nights mean that many Mainers are soon going to be thinking about how best to heat their homes, and ultimately, how much it will cost.
The rising cost of living – and in particular, increasing energy costs – are one of the most common issues that I hear about from constituents. It’s hitting a lot of Maine families hard, especially those on fixed incomes. To make matters worse, Central Maine Power recently filed for a rate hike that seeks to raise $1.4 billion from Maine ratepayers over the next five years, which could add additional financial stress for those of us who heat our homes with electricity.
In the Legislature, a lot of my work on the Energy Committee has focused on looking for ways to lower costs for Maine ratepayers and hold our utilities accountable – but there’s still a lot more work to do. The Legislature has also 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.
If there comes a time this winter when you have an extremely low supply of heating fuel, consider reaching out for crisis assistance through the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), which you can apply for through your local County Action Program. The applications for this program open on Nov. 1 and will be accepted through April 30, 2026.
Ultimately, for both HEAP and ECIP, applying early is key. Remember, these programs are here to help, so please don’t hesitate to use them if you are eligible. If you need assistance in navigating either program, I would be happy to help.
In addition to the immediate assistance that is available, the Legislature has made progress for families looking to make longer-term changes to their homes to help save costs for years to come. This includes making energy-related repairs through MaineHousing’s weatherization program and Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP). These programs provide grants to reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency or to repair or replace central heating systems. Some households may also qualify for low-cost energy loans to make repairs or upgrades.
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 state provides critical heating resources, I know that some of our community members may still struggle this winter. Let's continue to look out for our neighbors. If you know someone in need, please reach out to me, and I may be able to connect them with these resources.
As your voice at the State House, I’ll continue to look out for you and fight for ways to make our energy costs more affordable. Please reach out to me with any questions, concerns or ideas at Kilton.Webb@legislature.maine.gov. My office can be reached at (207) 287-1430.
Rep. Kilton Webb is serving his first term in the Maine House and represents House District 98, which includes Durham, Pownal and portions of Lisbon, Bowdoin and Topsham. He serves on the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.