Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
If you are behind on heat, electric, gas, water, phone, or internet bills in Maine, start with three places: your utility company, your local Community Action Agency, and 211 Maine. Maine’s main heating program is HEAP. Electric bill credits may come through LIAP, and past-due electric bills may qualify for AMP. Town General Assistance may also help with fuel or utilities when you cannot meet basic needs.
This guide is written for single mothers, single parents, pregnant mothers, and caregivers, but most programs use household income, location, utility account rules, fuel type, and funding rules. Being a single mother can affect your budget and documents, but it does not usually create a separate utility grant by itself. A good place to keep nearby is the broader bill help guide.
If you have a shutoff notice, no heat, or very low fuel
Call your utility before the shutoff date. Ask for the minimum needed to keep service on, a payment arrangement, and any low-income program tied to your account. If the utility will not work with you after you call, use the PUC complaint page or call the Maine Public Utilities Commission Consumer Assistance Division at 1-800-452-4699.
Call 211, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or search the 211 Maine directory for local fuel funds, churches, town help, or Community Action referrals. In a fire, carbon monoxide, medical, or immediate safety emergency, call 911.
If someone in your home uses life-sustaining medical equipment, ask the utility about medical emergency protections and medical equipment programs right away. Also ask the doctor, clinic, or equipment provider what form or certification the utility needs.
Where to start in Maine
Start with HEAP
Use the official MaineHousing HEAP page to check the current season, income limits, documents, and how to apply. HEAP can help renters and homeowners with heating costs. It is not meant to pay every heating bill.
Find your local agency
Applications for HEAP and many related programs go through local agencies. Use HEAP agency contacts to find the office that serves your town or county.
Ask your town
Maine General Assistance is run through cities and towns. It can help with basic needs, including fuel and utilities, when you qualify. Start with your town office and keep the state General Assistance page handy.
If utility bills are part of a larger emergency, also check Maine emergency help, Maine community support, and Maine grants guide for other local support paths.
Quick help table
| Need | Best first step | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Heating oil, propane, wood, gas, or electric heat | Apply for HEAP through MaineHousing or your local agency. | Benefits vary by household size, income, fuel type, expenses, and funding. |
| Very low fuel or no heat | Ask your local agency about ECIP or other crisis fuel help. | ECIP is seasonal and tied to HEAP eligibility. Funding can run out. |
| Electric bill too high | Ask about LIAP, CMP ELP, Versant low-income help, or a payment plan. | Some credits depend on HEAP or another means-tested program. |
| Past-due electric balance | Ask your utility or agency about AMP. | You must keep up with current monthly payments to keep credits. |
| Water or sewer bill | Call the water district and town General Assistance office. | The statewide Maine Water Assistance Program closed in 2023. |
| Phone or internet | Apply for Lifeline and ask providers about low-cost plans. | The federal ACP ended. Lifeline is smaller but still active. |
HEAP heating help in Maine
The Home Energy Assistance Program, often called HEAP or LIHEAP, helps eligible Maine households pay part of their home heating costs. It can apply to common Maine heat sources such as heating oil, propane, kerosene, natural gas, wood, pellets, coal, corn, or electric heat. MaineHousing says HEAP may also connect eligible households to emergency fuel delivery, energy repairs, and some utility help.
For the 2025-2026 season, MaineHousing says HEAP applications started August 1, 2025 and continue until funds are exhausted or May 29, 2026. As of this update, that means late-season applications may still be possible, but you should not wait. Use the online HEAP application and then contact the agency that serves your area if you need an appointment or crisis screening.
HEAP is not a same-day fix for every bill. In many cases, the benefit goes to the fuel vendor or utility and appears as a credit. Ask your fuel dealer, landlord, or utility how they will show the credit once the agency approves it.
2025-2026 HEAP income limits
MaineHousing posts the official HEAP income limits. The table below shows selected gross income limits for the 2025-2026 season. If your household is bigger than six people, or your income is close to the line, call your agency because other rules and deductions may apply.
| Household size | 1 month | 3 months | 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,070 | $9,209 | $36,836 |
| 2 | $4,014 | $12,043 | $48,170 |
| 3 | $4,959 | $14,876 | $59,504 |
| 4 | $5,903 | $17,710 | $70,839 |
| 5 | $6,848 | $20,543 | $82,173 |
| 6 | $7,792 | $23,377 | $93,507 |
ECIP crisis help
The Energy Crisis Intervention Program, or ECIP, is the emergency part of HEAP. The Maine PUC says ECIP can help HEAP-eligible households avert an energy crisis during the crisis season. For 2025-2026, MaineHousing lists ECIP as running through April 30, 2026. Since that date has passed as of this update, ask your agency what emergency fuel options are open now and when the next crisis season will begin.
Electric bill help: LIAP, ELP, and AMP
Maine has several electric bill programs, but the names can be confusing. The LIAP program helps eligible households with electric costs through a credit on the electric bill. MaineHousing says the LIAP application is usually completed during the HEAP application. The Maine PUC says some people who take part in a DHHS means-tested program may be able to apply through a separate LIAP path if they have not applied for HEAP.
Central Maine Power customers should review CMP bill help. CMP lists HEAP, LIAP or ELP, oxygen pump or ventilator support, 211, AMP, and payment plans. Versant customers should review Versant low-income help and ask customer service which programs fit their account.
AMP, the Arrearage Management Program, can reduce a past-due electric balance for eligible customers who follow the payment terms. The Versant AMP page says approved customers may receive forgiveness toward past-due balances when they make required monthly payments. CMP also lists AMP on its bill help page. The practical rule is simple: do not sign up unless you understand the monthly amount, due date, missed-payment rules, and what happens if you cannot pay.
Tip for single mothers
Ask the utility to note your account that you applied for HEAP, LIAP, General Assistance, or AMP. Then ask for the arrangement in writing. Keep the email, confirmation number, or letter with your bill folder.
Shutoff rights and payment arrangements
Maine has winter protections for residential electric service. State law defines the winter disconnection prohibition period as November 15 through April 15, unless another period is set under PUC rules. During that winter period, certain disconnection notices and shutoffs require Consumer Assistance and Safety Division review. Read the state winter termination law before you assume a shutoff is allowed.
As of May 20, 2026, the winter protection period has ended for the season. That does not mean the utility can ignore all rules. It means you should act fast when you get a notice. Call the utility, ask for a payment plan, ask about HEAP or LIAP, and file a PUC complaint if the utility will not explain your rights or review your situation.
The PUC assistance page lists LIHEAP, LIAP, General Assistance, AMP, 211, gas discounts, and other help. The Public Advocate resources page is also useful because it explains bill help, water help status, Lifeline, and disconnection resources in plain terms.
Repairs, weatherization, and ways to lower bills
Bill help is useful, but lowering future usage matters too. If you qualify for HEAP, ask your Community Action Agency about MaineHousing weatherization, heating repairs, and heat pump help. The CHIP repair program helps with heating system repair or replacement for low-income households, with priority for households that have no heat.
MaineHousing also has a heat pump program for certain HEAP and CHIP eligible homeowners when the home is a good candidate. Renters should ask about landlord permission and what programs apply to rental units.
Efficiency Maine offers rebates and income-based pathways for insulation, air sealing, and heat pumps. Check insulation rebates and heat pump rebates before hiring a contractor. Use a registered vendor when the program requires it, and do not start work until you understand the rebate rules.
Water, phone, and internet help
Water and sewer help is more local than heat and electric help. If you have a water shutoff notice, call the water district first and ask for a hardship plan. Then call your town General Assistance office and 211. The Public Advocate notes that Maine’s statewide Water Assistance Program closed June 30, 2023, so do not rely on old pages that describe that program as active.
For phone or internet, Lifeline is still the main federal discount. Use the official Lifeline website to apply, recertify, or find participating companies. The standard discount is smaller than many families need, but it can still lower one phone, internet, or bundled bill.
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended after funding ran out. For local device help, public Wi-Fi, digital skills, and affordability work, check the Maine Connectivity Authority. Local libraries, schools, and community centers may also know about low-cost internet plans or computer access.
Documents and information to gather
Do not wait to apply just because one paper is missing. Start the application, then ask what you can upload or bring later. For HEAP and related programs, MaineHousing may ask for identity, household, income, and utility information.
| Bring or upload | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Photo ID if available | Helps confirm who is applying. |
| Names and birth dates | Needed for household members. |
| Social Security numbers or requested proof | Often needed for people in the home. |
| Proof of income | Pay stubs, benefit letters, unemployment, self-employment records, or other proof. |
| Utility and fuel bills | Shows account numbers, provider, usage, and amount owed. |
| Lease, rent receipt, or mortgage info | May show housing costs and who pays utilities. |
| Shutoff notice | Helps the agency screen for urgent help. |
| Medical equipment note | Needed if someone uses oxygen, a ventilator, or other life-sustaining equipment. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not ignore a shutoff notice because you applied for help. Call the utility and ask for a hold or payment plan.
- Do not assume HEAP pays the full heating season. It usually pays part of the cost.
- Do not give up if the first phone line is busy. Try the online application, your local agency, 211, and your town office.
- Do not sign a payment plan you cannot keep without asking what happens if you miss a payment.
- Do not pay a private person who promises a guaranteed utility grant. Use official agencies and trusted local nonprofits.
Backup options when the first program is not enough
If utility debt is part of a bigger budget problem, combine programs instead of looking for one perfect grant. Food help can free up cash for utilities, so review Maine SNAP help and Maine WIC guide if you have young children or are pregnant. If rent is behind too, read Maine housing help.
Parents may also need benefit help beyond utilities. Check Maine TANF help, Maine child care, Maine health care, and Maine child support if those issues affect your bill money. The local resource guide can help you think through local nonprofits, schools, clinics, and 211 referrals.
Phone scripts you can use
Calling the utility
“Hi, I am calling about account number _____. I am a residential customer and I cannot pay the full balance today. Do I have a shutoff date? What is the minimum amount needed to keep service on? Can you review payment arrangements, LIAP or ELP, AMP, and any medical equipment options?”
Calling Community Action
“Hi, I need to apply for HEAP and any related electric or heating help. I have children in the home and I am behind on utilities. What documents do you need, and is there any crisis help or waitlist right now?”
Calling town General Assistance
“Hi, I live in this town and I need help with fuel or utilities. I would like to apply for General Assistance. When can I submit an application, what proof should I bring, and how do I get a written decision?”
Calling the PUC
“Hi, I contacted my utility and still need help. I have a shutoff notice or billing problem. Can the Consumer Assistance Division review my account and explain my rights?”
Resumen en español
Si necesita ayuda con calefacción, electricidad, gas, agua, teléfono o internet en Maine, empiece con tres pasos: llame a la compañía de servicios, solicite HEAP por MaineHousing o su agencia comunitaria local, y llame al 211. Si tiene un aviso de corte, no espere. Pida un plan de pago y pregunte por LIAP, AMP, General Assistance y ayuda de emergencia.
Guarde copias de sus facturas, ingresos, aviso de corte, identificación y documentos de todas las personas en el hogar. Si alguien usa equipo médico que necesita electricidad, informe a la compañía de servicios y pregunte qué certificación médica se requiere.
FAQs about utility assistance in Maine
Can single mothers get a special utility grant in Maine?
Most Maine utility help is not a special grant just for single mothers. Programs usually look at income, household size, fuel type, utility account rules, and local funding. Single mothers may still qualify through HEAP, LIAP, General Assistance, 211 referrals, or utility payment programs.
Is HEAP still open in Maine?
For the 2025-2026 season, MaineHousing says HEAP applications run until funds are exhausted or May 29, 2026. Check MaineHousing before applying because season dates and funding can change.
What should I do first if my power may be shut off?
Call your utility first and ask for the shutoff date, the minimum payment needed, a payment arrangement, and low-income programs. If the issue is not resolved, contact the Maine PUC Consumer Assistance Division.
Can General Assistance help with utilities?
Yes, Maine DHHS says General Assistance can help with basic needs, including fuel and utilities, when a household qualifies. Apply through your city or town office.
Can I get help with internet?
Lifeline can reduce one qualifying phone, internet, or bundled service. The larger Affordable Connectivity Program ended, so also ask your provider, school, library, or 211 about local options.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 20, 2026, next review August 20, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.