[Last updated: 12/11/2025]
Low-Income Energy Programs
Federal | State | Utility | Charitable
Federal
LIHEAP Contact
Public Inquiries: 877-544-3271
Website
LIHEAP Administering Agency Contacts
Local Administering Agency Contacts
Weatherization Assistance Program
Local Administering Agency Contacts
Website
LIHEAP FY 2026 Funding
$38,321,610
*including additional $1,280,506 from Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA), (Pub. L. 117-58)
LIHEAP Income Eligibility Level
Heating, Cooling & Crisis: 60% State Median Income
Weatherization: 200% Federal Poverty Line
LIHEAP FY 2026 Benefit
Heating: $88 minimum, $1,012 maximum
Crisis: $500
LIHEAP Households Served in FY 2024
Heating: 43,599
Winter Crisis: 6,051
Weatherization: 367
LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: Year-round
Winter Crisis: November 1 - April 30
Weatherization: October 1 - March 31
State
The General Assistance Program is provided in each town to help people in emergencies, including energy emergencies.
Contact: Bureau of Family Independence, Department of Human Services 1-800-442-6003, or 207-287-2826
Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants
Gives loans and grants to very low-income homeowners to repair, improve, modernize, or to remove health and safety hazards in their rural homes. Loans are for up to 20 years at 1% interest. Grants (free) may be for people who are 62 years of age or disabled. Loan/grant combinations may be arranged for applicants who can repay part of the cost. The program defines ‘very low-income’ as below 50 percent of the area median income.
To Apply: Call Rural Development. Listed in the Phone Book under U.S. Government, Agriculture Department. Or call 1-800-352-8963 Ext. 161 and they will connect you to the correct office.
Utility
Low-Income Rate Assistance
Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP)
Maine's transmission and distribution utilities are required to create or maintain a LIAP to make electric bills more affordable for LIHEAP-eligible customers. The Maine State Housing Authority supports the statewide plan in conjunction with the delivery of LIHEAP.
Contacts: Community Action Program Agency.
Central Maine Power
Electricity Lifeline Program
Offers qualified low-income customers a credit on their electric bill. This credit is based on household income and estimated electricity usage and is applied to your bill for the same amount each month, up to 12 months.
1-800-750-4000
Unitil
Discount Rate Program
LIHEAP recipients receive a discount on gas. To enroll, include a copy of your Unitil bill in addition to all other required documentation together with your completed LIHEAP application and return it to your local community action agency. The discount is effective for the next 12 months.
88-301-7700
Versant Power
Low Income Assistance Program
LIHEAP-eligible customers may qualify for a rate discount. Depending on income, the percentage of the discount will vary based on kWh usage. Contact local CAP agency.
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
Unitil
Rebates and Efficiency Incentives
Tenants and homeowners that meet certain income guidelines may be eligible for no-cost home energy assessments and the installation of weatherization measures. To find out if you qualify for these programs, please contact your local Community Action Agency
Emergency Charitable Assistance
Maine Sea Coast Mission
Provides emergency assistance for heat, electricity, food and other emergency circumstances for island and coastal communities from mid- to Downeast coastal Maine.
