The newly formed Maine Department of Energy Resources is out with a Winter Heating Guide to help residents lower energy bills while adequately keeping warm this winter.

The guide offers tips for efficient heating, as well as contact info for state heating assistance programs and links to current electricity rates.

It also includes detailed information on heating oil, as Maine is the most dependent state on the fuel to deliver heat.

A release from Energy Resources says, “Maine remains the most heating oil dependent state in the nation, making residents and businesses vulnerable to shifting global energy markets and burdening households with uncertain heating costs.”

Still,  Governor Mills announced last week that the share of Maine households relying on heating oil fell by nearly 20 percent from 2018-2024, which her office says correlates to an increase in the use of heat pumps.

The Maine Department of Energy Resources was announced in September to replace the Governor’s Energy Office, and is intended to lead energy policy and planning.

“This guide is designed to provide Maine people with the tools they need to save money, keep warm, and stay informed when it comes to home heating options,” said Dan Burgess, Acting Commissioner of the Maine Department of Energy Resources. “We encourage folks to review the guide, find the resources that fit their needs, and take advantage of the programs available to make their homes more affordable, comfortable, and energy efficient.”

The guide also summarizes energy efficiency and home heating programs available through MaineHousing, Efficiency Maine and Community Action Agencies among other sources.

Click here to access the new Winter Heating Guide.