Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

• The federal Home Energy Assistance Program provides government benefits to states. In Maine, nine Community Action Agencies administer the state's funds to pay heating companies directly. The subsidy amount each eligible family may receive depends upon the family's size, gross income and energy costs.
  
  Generally, Maine provides federal assistance to families that fall between the lower of either 228 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or within 75 percent of the state's median income. Families that are within 200 percent and 228 percent of the federal guidelines can qualify for assistance if there is one family member susceptible to hypothermia, such as a child under 2, the elderly or anyone who can provide a physician's certification of the susceptibility. For 2011, the federal poverty guideline for a family of four is limited to a $4,190 monthly income, to be within 228 percent of the federal poverty level.
  
  

Low-Income Weatherization Program

• The state's Central Heating Improvement Program and the MaineHousing Weatherization Program provide weatherization repairs to eligible low-income residents. Families may qualify for assistance if their total household income is within 230 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or within 75 percent of Maine's median income amount. Additionally, families within 200 percent to 230 percent of the federal guidelines can apply for weatherization services if at least one member is susceptible to hypothermia. Weatherization services include insulation, caulking, replacing or repairing heating systems and safety repairs. For 2011, the federal guidelines require that a family of four earn less than $3,675 monthly, to fall within 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
  
  

Electric Bill Assistance

• Low-income homeowners can apply for electric bill assistance through the state's Low-Income Assistance Plan. Qualifying applicants receive monthly credits on their electric bills to subsidize their monthly heating costs. Both homeowners and renters may qualify for this program during both winter and summer months if they qualify for the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Applicants may apply through their local Community Action Agencies. The program's income guidelines are the same as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program's guidelines.
  
  

Consumer Home Heating Rights

• In 2008, Maine's attorney general issued a new state mandate providing consumers with the right to receive heating oil during the winter months. Each year, from Oct. 15 through April 30, it is illegal for oil dealers in Maine to deny heating oil deliveries to homes, regardless of whether the home is delinquent on its heating bills. To receive the benefit of this new consumer protection law, consumers must request at least 20 gallons of heating oil from a dealer that provides oil to the household's service area, and the consumer can guarantee government payment for the oil or has cash in hand to pay for it.