@WGANNews “Maine Points” Program Director Danny Martignetti  features Dan Burgess, director of the Governor’s Energy Office , and Michael Stoddard, executive director of Efficiency Maine , in an pre-recorded energy discussion that focuses on steps Mainers can take to reduce fuel and energy costs. Dan Brennan, director of MaineHousing, participates in the discussion, as well.

Governor’s Energy Office encourages Maine people to explore programs that offer relief from rising energy prices. Support programs are available amid unprecedented volatility in global energy markets and fuel prices.

A full guide to heating and energy assistance programs is available from the Governor’s Energy Office, which has prepared a directory of winter heating resources to help Maine people and families take action to save money, improve their home’s energy efficiency, and find heating assistance if needed. The guide is available on the Governor’s Energy Office website and as a downloadable document (PDF).

If you are very low on fuel, and can’t afford to fill your tank, you may qualify for an emergency delivery. Emergency funds are available at non-profits, churches, municipalities, and other organizations.

• Call 2-1-1, or contact the Community Action Agency in your area for more information.

The Efficiency Maine Trust (Efficiency Maine) is an independent quasi-state agency that administers programs to help Maine energy consumers improve their energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases emissions. Efficiency Maine serves all sectors and all regions of the state.

• Since most Mainers these days are concerned about rising costs of fuels made from petroleum – such as heating oil and gasoline – we encourage people to check out the rebates offered by Efficiency Maine for:
  • Heat pumps, including special offers for qualifying low- and moderate-income Mainers;
  • Insulation (or “weatherization”) – see https://www.efficiencymaine.com/home-insulation/
  • Heat pump water heaters — https://www.efficiencymaine.com/at-home/water-heating-solutions/
  • Electric Vehicles — https://www.efficiencymaine.com/ev/

•  Each year MaineHousing administers the HEAP program, a nearly $40m grant which provides fuel assistance to over 30,000 households.  In addition, this grant provides funds for emergency situations, weatherization of homes, cleaning, repair and replacement of central heating systems and installations of heat pumps.
• They are  currently issuing $700,000 in fuel assistance benefits per week, averaging between $600-900 to approximately 750-1000 households.
• It’s never too late to apply.  Call your local CAA or 2-1-1 to apply.  Preparation for winter should be a year round planning effort.