If you are experiencing difficulty paying your bills, contact your utility immediately to discuss options including:
- Payment arrangements
- Financial assistance programs
- Tips for improving efficiency
- Usage and billing alerts
- Electricity & Heat
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Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Helps renters and homeowners pay for heating costs, including electric heat as well as oil, propane, natural gas, and others.
- Can be accessed through your Community Action Agency
- Qualifying for LIHEAP helps open the door to several other assistance programs, including the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), which provides emergency fuel assistance.
- Helps consumers pay for electricity costs.
- Many people apply for LIHEAP and LIAP at the same time by working with their Community Action Agency.
- Customers who participate in a DHHS program can apply for the LIAP here.
- Some Mainers will receive a letter from DHHS stating they qualify for LIAP and should contact their utility to enroll.
- Helps reduce past-due electricity bills.
- Can be accessed through your Community Action Agency.
- Assists with basic needs such as fuel and food.
- Contact your town office to learn more, check eligibility and apply.
- If you are unable to reach your town office or you have questions or concerns, call the Maine General Assistance toll-free hotline at 1-800-442-6003.
Other Resources:- NEW! Governor's Energy Office Winter Heating Guide
- How to Reduce your Electric Bill (PDF)
- How to Avoid Disconnection (PDF)
- How to Reconnect (PDF)
- Internet
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Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service.
- Eligible consumers can get up to $9.25 off the cost of phone, internet, or bundled services.
- Learn more at https://www.lifelinesupport.org
- Natural Gas
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Unitil, Bangor Gas and Maine Natural Gas customers may be eligible for a 30% discount on delivery and gas supply rates.
The discount applies to all customers identified by the Maine State Housing Authority as eligible for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Apply for LIHEAP with your local Community Action Agency.
Contact your utility to learn more. - Telephone
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Check out this page to learn more about Free and Low-Cost Phone Services.
- Water
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Maine Water Assistance Program closed June 30, 2023. We will update this site in the event of any changes. In the meantime, contact 2-1-1 to talk about other options.