The Maine Department of Energy Resources released its 2026-2027 Winter Heating Guide to help Maine people lower their energy bills while staying safe and comfortable this winter.  

“Maine’s reliance on imported heating fuels means our households remain exposed to volatility in global oil markets, putting added pressure on families as we head into winter with record high prices,” said Celina Cunningham, Acting Commissioner of the Maine Department of Energy Resources. “We encourage Maine people to review our updated Winter Heating Guide, track the latest prices on our website, and take advantage of the resources available to help manage costs. Staying informed and planning ahead can help households prepare for the winter and make decisions that work best for their needs.” 

DOER also released the latest weekly survey of Maine heating fuel prices Oct. 1, which shows the average statewide price of heating oil was $5.96 per gallon on September 28, an increase of approximately 80 percent from this time last year, the release said.

Last week, heating oil in Maine reached a record high of $6.02 per gallon, surpassing the previous record set in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Based on a standard 275-gallon oil tank at current prices, residents are now estimated to pay approximately $725 more to fill their tank to capacity than they would have one year ago. 

The updated Winter Heating Guide includes practical home heating and weatherization tips for Maine residents, steps to access energy assistance programs, links to online resources including the latest energy prices, and more. The guide also summarizes energy efficiency and home heating programs available through MaineHousing, Efficiency Maine, Community Action Agencies, and other partners. 

“MaineHousing and our community action agency partners are ready to help as winter approaches and energy prices rise,” said MaineHousing Director Dan Brennan. “HEAP has been accepting applications since August. If you are concerned about heating costs, apply now through our website or contact your local community action agency. If you do not qualify, ask your fuel vendor about a payment plan. We are working with partners statewide to distribute available heating resources as efficiently as possible.” 

"A typical Maine home switching from an oil boiler to a heat pump system would save more than $1,450 a year," said Michael Stoddard, Executive Director of Efficiency Maine. “This situation hammers home the importance for Mainers to check out alternative, home-grown energy resources and improved weatherization. Rebates for heat pumps are just one of many resources Efficiency Maine programs offer as alternatives to the high prices of imported fuels.”

“This winter could be challenging for Mainers as oil and gas prices continue to be high and volatile,” said Maine Public Utilities Commission Chair Phil Bartlett. “For anyone struggling, it best to reach out to your utility as soon as possible. There are programs available to assist eligible customers, and payment arrangements can help customers manage their bills.”

“With oil prices setting record highs, this is likely to be a very tough winter for many Maine families,” said Heather Sanborn, Maine Public Advocate.“Whether it’s learning about how to access programs to help income-eligible Mainers afford heat and electricity or finding rebates for efficiency upgrades that can lower costs over time, this guide puts important information in people’s hands when they need it most. I encourage all Mainers to take a few minutes to review the guide and reach out for help if they’re struggling. No one should have to go cold.” 

Maine consumes more residential heating oil per capita than any other U.S. state and consumes more per capita than other New England states. Approximately 50 percent of all Maine households rely on fuel oil as their primary heat source, although that figure has declined steadily from 70 percent in 2010. 

Financial assistance for home heating is available through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), administered by MaineHousing. In addition to HEAP, the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), designed to assist low-income households who are experiencing an immediate energy-related crisis, will open on November 1. This program may provide a one-time payment to a fuel vendor to help HEAP-eligible households that are facing a heating emergency.   

Maine residents are encouraged to explore the wide range of cost-saving home efficiency incentives available through Efficiency Maine.  The Department of Energy Resources will host an informational public webinar on winter heating resources for Maine people on Friday, October 2, 11 a.m. to noon, along with representatives from Efficiency Maine Trust and MaineHousing. Visit this page to register for the webinar. 

The Winter Heating Guide is available to view and download on the DOER website, which also provides the latest Maine heating fuel and electricity prices.