Energy Assistance

Home Energy Assistance Program
The Home Energy Assistance Program (commonly called LIHEAP or HEAP Fuel Assistance) provides money to low income homeowners and renters to help pay heating costs. The funds are distributed throughout Maine by 9 Community Action Agencies, in most cases directly to the fuel vendors. The program is not intended to pay for all heating costs, but to assist in paying the heating bills.

Maine Water Assistance Program
This fall, MaineHousing will be launching a limited-time program to assist Maine residents who may have fallen behind or had difficulty paying their drinking water and wastewater bills. The program will provide direct payments to water and sewer utilities on behalf of customers.

Heat Pump Program
MaineHousing’s heat pump program pays for the cost and installation of a heat pump for eligible Maine homeowners. Heat pumps are a popular and efficient tool to help heat homes in cold climates. They can help save on heating costs if used in the correct way.

Weatherization Program
MaineHousing’s Weatherization Program provides grants to low-income homeowners and renters to reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency. MaineHousing offers this program to consumers through Community Action Program agencies, who screen people for eligibility as part of the HEAP application process.

Central Heating Improvement Program
MaineHousing’s Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP) provides grants to repair or replace central heating systems that serve low-income households.

Low Income Assistance Program
Low Income Assistance Plan (LIAP) helps low-income homeowners and renters with their electric utility bills. MaineHousing, through Community Action Agencies, accepts customer applications for LIAP as part of the HEAP application process.