AUGUSTA, Maine — Last week, the Maine State Housing Authority announced a new online application process for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to simplify and improve processing times for Mainers seeking help this winter.
According to a news release from MaineHousing, the new system is designed to enable more of the application process to be completed online, enhance access, and improve processing times for the action agencies who certify applications locally.
"MaineHousing is pleased to be moving forward with a HEAP application process that will make it more convenient for Mainers to request federal energy assistance," MaineHousing's senior director of operations, Jamie Johnson, said in the release.
"This rollout is the next phase of an online application system that started last heating season. With the help of our community action agency partners, HEAP helps more than 50,000 Maine households with their energy costs each year," Johnson added.
The new ECOS platform developed by JAI Software, Inc. in Farmingdale will be the second of its kind for HEAP nationally, the release stated.
Mainers can check their eligibility for HEAP and start the application process by visiting MaineHousing’s HEAP web page.
MaineHousing said the program's eligibility criteria are intended to prioritize households with members at the greatest risk of facing cold-related injury or illness, which includes those 60 and older, those with young children, and those with household members who are disabled.
Johnson said the demand for HEAP and the number of eligible homes reached has increased by 20% in the two previous heating seasons. He said last winter was the first time HEAP used a waiting list process near the end of the heating season.
"While we were ultimately able to serve all those who were on the waiting list last year, we again anticipate high demand and will be prepared to move to a waiting list system if needed," Johnson said.
Funded by a $41 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HEAP is expected to help about 50,000 households, according to the release.
"The grant provides funding for fuel assistance benefits and other programs such as the Emergency Crisis Intervention Program, which starts in November, the Central Heating Improvement Program, and Weatherization," the release stated. "MaineHousing typically receives its federal funding in November each year and is expected to receive approximately the same funding level as it did during the 2024 heating season."
MaineHousing said they encourage all Maine households to make a winter heating plan now, clean and service home heating systems, take care of small weatherization projects, set up payment plans with heating fuel and electricity providers, and begin the HEAP application process if they believe they are eligible.
"It’s never too early to plan and prepare for the next heating season," MaineHousing Director Daniel Brennan said. "HEAP is a vital program that helps many Mainers each winter by covering a portion of their overall energy costs."
Brennan said heating oil, Maine's primary heating fuel source, was recently priced below $3.00 a gallon in many places, far lower than past heating seasons.
To find the latest Maine heating fuel prices and other winter heating resources, visit the Maine Governor's Energy Office website.
"We are accustomed to fluctuating heating fuel prices in Maine but as these price swings become more and more dramatic, it becomes even more important to be prepared," Brennan said. "Now is the time to get your heating plan in order and to reach out for assistance if you believe you will need it in the months ahead. And if you can, top off your tank or put a little money in the bank to brace against an unexpected energy expense later this year."
