It’s hard to believe that the holidays are already here! The unseasonably warm fall has allowed us to enjoy some of our favorite outdoor activities late into the season, but the colder months are just around the corner. As temperatures drop and heating costs rise, this is a crucial time to reach out to friends and neighbors to ensure they know about the resources available to help them stay warm and safe this winter.

Here in Maine, we are particularly vulnerable to unstable fossil fuel prices in the winter. Maine is the most heating oil dependent state in the nation, and this year, the U.S. Energy Information Agency is predicting an increase in the costs of virtually all home heating methods. That’s why I want to take this opportunity to share some of the resources available for those of us who will benefit from heating assistance.

Members of our community have access to expanded options for home heating resources this year thanks to an investment of $25 million as part of Governor Mills’ Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan. These funds will go to Efficiency Maine, our state’s independent administrator for energy efficiency programs, to help weatherize the homes of low to moderate income homeowners and renters in Maine.

Efficiency Maine is a great option for people with inefficient or outdated heating systems. They can help calculate and compare home heating costs to find the right home heating system for you. They help Mainers save money by offering rebates and financing options for the most efficient heating systems like boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, smart thermostats and more. For more information, visit their website efficiencymaine.com or give them a call at 866-376-2463.

For folks who need assistance more immediately, there are a number of additional resources. Maine’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is open to homeowners and renters and provides heating assistance for Mainers with incomes below 150% of the poverty level. For Gorham residents, you can find out if you qualify by calling the Opportunity Alliance at 553-5900 or by emailing them at energyassistance@opportunityalliance.org.

HEAP also assists with energy-efficiency improvements and weatherization efforts. Across the board, we have relatively old housing stock here in Maine which means that efficiency upgrades can make a big difference. HEAP is a great resource because as soon as you apply for fuel assistance, you are automatically considered for weatherization assistance as well. This means that the heating help you get from HEAP could go further after energy-efficiency improvements like insulation, window upgrades, caulking and more are made.

In Gorham, we’re lucky to have the Gorham Heating Assistance Fund which is replenished by generous donations from neighbors, local businesses and nonprofits. This fund has been around for years and speaks to our Town’s spirit of giving. You can access these resources by contacting the Gorham Town Clerk’s office at 222-1670. Support may be offered through this fund or through Gorham’s regular General Assistance program.

This year, the Cressey Road Methodist Church is operating its Project Warmth program. The church, in partnership with businesses throughout the community, will work to provide fuel or furnace repairs for folks in need. If you are interested in utilizing these resources, feel free to contact the church at 839-3111.

As always, please feel free to contact me at Maureen.terry@legislature.maine.gov with your questions or if you are having trouble navigating state agencies. It is an honor to continue to serve as your state representative. Stay warm!

Rep. Maureen “Mo” Terry, D-Gorham, is serving her third term in the Maine House of Representatives. She serves as House Chair of the Taxation Committee. Contact her at maureen.terry@legislature.maine.gov.