As Maine braces for potentially record-high oil prices this winter, groups that offer heating oil assistance to Mainers worry that despite an influx of additional funding, the money won’t go as far as it normally would.

“We’re going into the year with a little bit more money, which is always good,” said MaineHousing Director Dan Brennan. “Prices are still way up there though, and so the reality is the benefit that people are getting won’t put as much oil in their tanks as it did last year.” 

MaineHousing typically gets an annual allotment from the federal government through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to help Mainers who need assistance, with a grant expected this year of about $40 million. Brennan noted that a recent resolution in Washington led to Maine receiving about $8 million in additional funding for the current heating season.

Still, the Governor’s Energy Office indicated that as of Oct. 17, heating oil prices statewide averaged at about $5.43 per gallon, and reached as high as $6.10 in some locations. Prices remained below $3.60 for a five-year period from 2015-2020, according to the office’s data, before prices began steadily climbing from October 2021 to a peak of $5.78 on May 1 of this year.

“There’s no indication that prices are going to dramatically drop,” Brennan said. “It’s going to be a tough winter. There’s no question about it.”

Already, Mainers are looking for assistance. Nikki Williams, Project Manager at the United Ways of Maine, manages the organization’s 211 program, which offers connections to a variety of services throughout the state, including local groups providing heating oil assistance. Williams said in September 2022 alone, the program received 2,287 requests for heating, fuel payment and electric service payment advice. That amounts to a 156% increase compared to 892 similar requests in September 2021.

“We’re already getting kind of a spike in calls from people seeking assistance, particularly heating oil assistance,” she said.

MaineHousing indicates 60% of Mainers heat their homes with oil, and Maine has the eighth oldest housing stock in the nation. The organization’s data indicates 56% of homes in the state were built before 1980. Williams said owners of older homes may have a harder time this winter.

“Especially for those who live in older homes that aren’t energy-efficient, they’re likely to struggle,” she said.

Williams and Brennan both said the best thing Mainers who might need assistance can do is apply to MaineHousing or call 211 as soon as possible. MaineHousing has already begun paying out benefitss to 10,000 homes, or about 17,000 people. Most recipients, Brennan said, will get between $800 and $1,100.

Williams said people also might consider applying to their local General Assistance office, and seek out local community action organizations. However people seek help, Williams said it’s best to do it sooner, before the cold weather sets in and assistance programs become inundated with calls.

“I’ve seen winters where that’s happened, and it doesn’t help anyone, so it’s good to be proactive,” she said.