State Releases Updated Winter Heating Guide as Maine Oil Prices Climb Sharply

The Maine Department of Energy Resources has published its 2026-2027 Winter Heating Guide to help Maine residents reduce energy bills while staying safe and comfortable through the cold season.

“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.”

The department also released its latest weekly survey of Maine heating fuel prices, showing that the statewide average for heating oil stood at $5.96 per gallon, an increase of roughly 80 percent from the same time a year earlier, according to the release.

Heating oil in Maine recently hit a record of $6.02 per gallon, exceeding the previous peak set in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

At current prices, a household using a standard 275-gallon oil tank would pay about $725 more to fill it than it would have a year ago.

The updated guide includes home heating and weatherization advice, information on how to apply for energy assistance, and links to online tools such as current energy prices. It also outlines energy efficiency and heating programs offered 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 uses more residential heating oil per person than any other U.S. state and more than other New England states. About half of all Maine households rely on fuel oil as their main heat source, though that share has steadily declined from 70 percent in 2010.

Home heating aid is available through the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, administered by MaineHousing. In addition, the Energy Crisis Intervention Program, designed to help low-income households facing an immediate energy-related emergency, will open later in the season. The program may provide a one-time payment to a fuel vendor for HEAP-eligible households facing a heating crisis.

Maine residents are also encouraged to explore cost-saving home efficiency incentives offered through Efficiency Maine. The Department of Energy Resources will host an informational public webinar on winter heating resources with representatives from Efficiency Maine Trust and MaineHousing. Registration is available online.

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.