Energy Access
Maine Resources
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) - Assists low-income homeowners and renters with heating expenses, including fuel costs and emergency fuel deliveries. Eligibility is based on household income, size, and energy costs. Renters whose heat is included in rent may also qualify. Applications are processed through local Community Action Agencies, and funds are distributed directly to fuel vendors.
Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP) - Provides credits on electric bills for income-eligible residents. Administered by utilities like Central Maine Power and Versant Power, the program recently expanded to assist up to 46,000 additional residents, increasing funding from $15 million to $22.5 million for the 2023–24 year. Eligibility is linked to participation in programs like LIHEAP.
Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) - Offers emergency fuel assistance to HEAP-eligible households facing energy crises, providing up to $800 to prevent service disconnection or fuel depletion. Applicants should contact their local Community Action Agency for assistance.
Efficiency Maine Home Energy Loans - Offers loans to help homeowners finance energy efficiency upgrades, such as insulation and heating system improvements. Low- and moderate-income households may qualify for reduced interest rates. Eligibility verification is required before applying.
Maine Renewable Resource Fund - Allows utility customers to support the development of renewable energy projects in Maine, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric initiatives. Contributions help fund innovative energy solutions and environmental protection efforts.
Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP) - Assists remote communities in transitioning to resilient clean energy solutions. Maine communities like Eastport, Islesboro, and Mount Desert Island are participating, focusing on projects such as tidal power exploration and microgrid development.
211 Maine Additional Assistance - For more information on energy assistance programs, residents can call 2-1-1 within Maine, text their zip code to 898-211, or visit 211maine.org. This service provides 24/7 information on available resources.
Regional Resources
Massachusetts – Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) - Assists eligible households with winter heating expenses, covering various fuel types. Eligibility is determined by household size and income, with a cap at 60% of the state median income. Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person through local service providers. HEAP also connects applicants to related programs like the Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HEARTWAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
Connecticut – Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) - Provides financial assistance to eligible Connecticut residents for home heating costs, including various fuel types. Eligibility is based on household income, with automatic qualification for participants in certain federal programs. Applications are accepted through Community Action Agencies statewide.
Rhode Island – Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) & Support Programs - Offers financial relief for heating costs to eligible low-income households. Additional programs like the Good Neighbor Energy Fund and Keep the Heat On provide assistance to those ineligible for LIHEAP or facing emergencies. The state also offers free home energy assessments and weatherization services to improve energy efficiency.
New Hampshire – Electric Assistance Program (EAP) - Provides discounts ranging from 5% to 86% on monthly electric bills for income-eligible residents. Eligibility is based on household income and size, with applications processed through local Community Action Agencies.
National Resources
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - Assists low-income households with their energy bills, ensuring safe and healthy indoor temperatures. It provides financial aid for heating and cooling costs, energy-related home repairs, and crisis assistance to prevent utility shutoffs. Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, LIHEAP serves approximately 6.7 million households annually through state block grants distributed to local agencies. Recently, nearly $400 million in allocated funds remain undistributed due to administrative delays, potentially impacting vulnerable populations during extreme weather conditions .
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) - Aims to reduce energy costs for low-income households by improving home energy efficiency. Services include installing insulation, sealing leaks, and upgrading heating and cooling systems. Eligible households receive a free energy audit, and improvements can save an average of $372 annually on energy bills. Priority is given to seniors, individuals with disabilities, families with children, and those with high energy burdens.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program - Provides grants to local governments, states, territories, and tribes to fund projects that improve energy efficiency and reduce fossil fuel emissions. Projects may include energy audits, retrofits, renewable energy installations, and transportation programs that conserve energy. Authorized under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the program received $3.2 billion in funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Rural Utilities Service (RUS) - Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, RUS provides infrastructure support to rural communities, including funding for electric power, water, waste treatment, and telecommunications services. Originally established as the Rural Electrification Administration in 1935, RUS continues to expand and modernize rural utility infrastructure, supporting thousands of communities across the United States.
Loan Programs Office (LPO) - Offers loans and loan guarantees to support the development of innovative clean energy technologies. Programs under LPO include the Innovative Clean Energy Projects, Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing, and Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program. Since its inception, LPO has financed over $30 billion in projects, fostering job creation and significant reductions in carbon emissions.