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Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Maine

Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Maine

Last updated: September 2025

This guide puts the fastest actions first, with plain steps and direct contacts. Every program, office, and law below is linked right where you need it. Bookmark this page and keep it open while you call, apply, and follow up.


If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

  • Call your utility now and set a protected payment plan: Ask for “Special Payment Arrangement” protections and request a hold while you apply for energy help through your local Community Action Agency. Use Central Maine Power’s main line at 1-800-750-4000 or credit/collections at 1-800-686-4044, or Versant Power at 1-855-363-7211, and cite winter disconnection protections under Maine PUC rules. See options and the hotline at the Maine Public Utilities Commission Consumer Assistance Division (1-800-452-4699). Use the utility’s help pages at CMP Help With Your Bill and Versant Low-Income Assistance as guides while you’re on the phone. (maine.gov)
  • Apply for heating help online today: Submit the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) application through MaineHousing’s HEAP and then call your local Community Action Agency for an appointment. If your tank is low or you have a shutoff notice tied to heat, tell the agency you need crisis help under the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). For income limits and season dates, use HEAP Income Limits (2025–2026) and read the March 12, 2025 notice about the wait-list. If phones are busy, dial 211 Maine for direct referrals. (mainehousing.org)
  • Stop a medical-risk shutoff the same day: If someone in your home has a life-threatening condition requiring electricity (oxygen pump, ventilator, or similar), ask your doctor to certify a “Medical Emergency” to your electric utility. Maine rules force reconnection by 5:00 p.m. the next day once certified. Pair this with Central Maine Power’s LifeLight or Versant’s Oxygen Pump Benefit and the PUC medical-emergency protections. Keep the PUC hotline number (1-800-452-4699) ready while you call your utility. (regulations.justia.com)

Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy

How to Stop a Utility Shutoff in Maine Today

Your goal is to pause the shutoff, get a payment plan in writing, and tie it to pending aid.

  • Ask for a Special Payment Arrangement: From November 15 to April 15, utilities must offer winter arrangements that can lower what you pay each month, then true-up by November 1. Call your electric or gas utility and say you seek a “special payment arrangement” under PUC winter rules. If the rep won’t help, ask for a supervisor, then call the PUC Consumer Assistance Division at 1-800-452-4699. Read details in PUC FAQs and winter terminations statute. (maine.gov)
  • Use medical and protected-customer rules when they apply: A doctor’s oral or written certification can halt a shutoff for up to 30 days (renewable twice per 12 months). Ask your clinician to fax or call the utility the same day. See the rule at PUC Chapter 815 §11 Medical Emergency and ask your utility for its life-support registry. (regulations.justia.com)
  • If your heat depends on electricity, say that: Tell your electric utility if your heat is electric or your oil/propane system needs power. That can change timelines under PUC disconnection rules. If you receive a shutoff notice, call immediately and contact PUC CAD for backup. (regulations.justia.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: File a complaint the same day with the PUC Consumer Assistance Division and call the Office of the Public Advocate to pressure-test the plan. If you are within days of shutoff, also call your town’s General Assistance office for a one-time utility voucher. (maine.gov)

Know Your Maine Rights and Timelines

  • Winter shutoff protections and payment plans: From November 15 to April 15, electric and gas utilities need PUC approval to disconnect, and they must offer special winter arrangements for low-income customers and HEAP-eligible households. If a bill is only recently overdue, the company can’t send a disconnection notice until at least 30 days after the bill was mailed. See PUC FAQs and the key rules in Chapter 815. (maine.gov)
  • Medical emergency rules: A clinician’s certification (phone or written) forces continuation or reconnection of service, with next-day (by 5:00 p.m.) restoration required. Certification pauses disconnection for the time specified or 30 days, renewable twice per year. Keep copies and request utility “medical equipment” flags like CMP LifeLight. Read PUC §11. (regulations.justia.com)
  • After April 15: Standard notices and timelines resume. Expect more collections after April 15, which is why arrangements and HEAP/LIAP enrollments matter now. CMP reminded customers in March 2025 that winter protections end April 15. See CMP’s spring notice and news updates. (cmpco.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Escalate to the PUC Consumer Assistance Division and ask for an emergency review of the disconnection. If income-eligible, ask your CAA for a same-day ECIP crisis appointment. (maine.gov)

Maine Energy Bill Help — Programs You Can Use

HEAP (energy bill help) — what it is and how to apply

  • HEAP pays a portion of your heat: The Home Energy Assistance Program helps with oil, propane, wood, pellets, natural gas, and electric heat. For 2025 statewide figures, the LIHEAP Clearinghouse reports a minimum heating benefit of 88andamaximumof88 and a maximum of 1,012, with crisis aid up to $800, though amounts vary by fuel, usage, and funding. Check your eligibility at MaineHousing HEAP and the Clearinghouse’s Maine profile. (mainehousing.org)
  • Apply early and online: The 2025–2026 season opens August 1, 2025, with applications taken until May 29, 2026 or until funds run out. Use the online application and then call your local Community Action Agency (CAA) for any needed interview. If your heat is almost gone, tell them you need ECIP crisis help. Start at MaineHousing HEAP and see the season dates on that page. (mainehousing.org)
  • Wait-list reality: In March 2025, MaineHousing moved late-season applications to a wait-list as funds neared exhaustion. If you applied after 5:00 p.m. on March 28, 2025, you were queued pending funding. Expect this again in late winter if demand is high. Read the March 12, 2025 update and the program highlight. (mainehousing.org)
  • If your heat is almost gone: Ask your CAA for the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). Local pages explain that ECIP can deliver emergency fuel or address a power shutoff if your heating system needs electricity. See examples at Penquis ECIP and WMCA ECIP, and confirm statewide crisis aid on the PUC program page. (penquis.org)

Eligibility, documents, and timing: HEAP uses income limits tied to state median income; MaineHousing posts the current one‑month/three‑month/12‑month limits and allows certain deductions (like court‑ordered child support or some medical costs) for households slightly over income. Bring ID, Social Security numbers, proof of income for the look‑back period, your lease or deed, and current utility/fuel bills. Review the income limits and what to bring. Typical non‑crisis processing can take days to a few weeks depending on volume; ask your CAA for their current timeline and whether a phone interview will speed it up. (mainehousing.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you can’t get in fast, apply online, leave a voicemail for the CAA, and call 211 Maine for any local stopgap (church fuel funds, town GA). If you’re on a HEAP wait-list, ask your utility for a paused payment plan noting your pending HEAP/LIAP enrollment; cite the PUC FAQ about winter arrangements. (w.211maine.org)

Electric bill help — credits and arrears forgiveness

  • LIAP (state electric credit) and ELP (CMP’s lifeline credit): If you qualify for HEAP or another DHHS means‑tested program, you likely qualify for a monthly bill credit under the Low‑Income Assistance Program (LIAP). Central Maine Power also runs the Electricity Lifeline Program (ELP), offering up to $1,200/year in credits based on income and usage. Enroll during your HEAP application, or, if you received a DHHS eligibility letter, return it to your utility. See PUC LIAP overview and CMP ELP. (maine.gov)
  • AMP (Arrearage Management Program): If you’re at least 500inarrearsandHEAP/LIAP‑eligible,askaboutAMP.Eachon‑timepaymentcantriggermonthlyforgivenessofupto500 in arrears and HEAP/LIAP‑eligible, ask about AMP. Each on‑time payment can trigger monthly forgiveness of up to 500, up to $6,000 in a 12‑month period (CMP and Versant administer similar programs). Review CMP’s AMP and Versant AMP details before you call. (cmpco.com)
  • Medical‑equipment credit: If someone uses an oxygen pump or ventilator eight or more hours daily, combine LIAP/ELP with a medical equipment credit: CMP’s LifeLight and Versant’s Oxygen Pump Benefit. Ask your clinician to sign the utility’s form. (cmpco.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your utility to note “eligible for LIAP/ELP/AMP; application in progress,” request a written budget plan, and escalate to PUC Consumer Assistance if the company refuses to offer or explain these options. (maine.gov)

Natural gas bill help — utility discounts

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your gas utility to confirm your HEAP match and backdate to your HEAP approval date if policy allows, then escalate to PUC Consumer Assistance and the Office of Public Advocate if the discount isn’t applied. (maine.gov)

Weatherization, repairs, and heat pumps to lower bills

  • Weatherization Assistance (WAP) and CHIP: If you’re HEAP‑eligible, ask your CAA about MaineHousing’s Weatherization Program and the Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP). Weatherization can add insulation and air‑sealing; CHIP repairs or replaces unsafe furnaces (limited landlord benefits up to $400 for HEAP‑eligible tenants). Start at PUC program summary and MaineHousing’s CHIP page. (maine.gov)
  • MaineHousing Heat Pump Program: If you are HEAP+CHIP‑eligible and own your home, ask about a no‑cost heat pump installation (secondary heat source) through the MaineHousing Heat Pump Program. Heat pumps can cut heating costs if used correctly and can cool in summer. Apply via your CAA. (mainehousing.org)
  • Efficiency Maine rebates (income‑based): For insulation and air‑sealing, rebates go up to 8,000forlow‑income,8,000 for low‑income, 6,000 for moderate‑income, or 4,000foranyincome.Forprimaryheatpumpsystems,low‑incomehouseholdscanreceiveupto4,000 for any income. For primary heat pump systems, low‑income households can receive up to 9,000 in rebates (lifetime), plus up to $2,600 in federal tax credits through 12/31/2025. See Insulation Rebates and Residential Heat Pump Incentives. (efficiencymaine.com)
  • IRA Home Energy Rebates (manufactured homes and multifamily): Maine announced up to 14,000perlow‑incomemanufacturedhome(heatpump,panel,wiring)andupto14,000 per low‑income manufactured home (heat pump, panel, wiring) and up to 8,000 per unit for qualifying multifamily new construction. Check updates with the Governor’s Energy Office notice and Efficiency Maine’s multifamily electrification initiative. (www1.maine.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If wait‑lists are long, use Efficiency Maine rebates with a registered vendor to cut usage now, and re‑apply for MaineHousing programs when your CAA opens more slots. (efficiencymaine.com)

Water, Sewer, and Trash Bill Help in Maine

  • Portland Water Bill Help (Portland Water District): PWD offers discounted Lifeline water rates tied to HEAP and a low‑income plumbing assistance program administered by The Opportunity Alliance. Ask PWD customer service at 1-207-761-8310 about Customer Assistance/Lifeline Rates and check the posted 2025 rates to see the “Low Income” rate tier. (pwd.org)
  • Maine Water Company customers: Maine Water will work out payment plans; call 1-800-287-1643 and ask about any hardship options. See Maine Water Assistance Program and their note about referrals to MaineHousing/HAF resources. (mainewater.com)
  • Statewide water aid status: The Maine Water Assistance Program funded by ARPA closed in mid‑2023; you can still call 211 to find local water hardship funds and ask your water/sewer district for a payment plan. The Office of the Public Advocate confirms the state program closure and recommends 211 Maine for current help. (www1.maine.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: For an urgent water shutoff or lien, apply for General Assistance and ask your CAA if any local donor funds are open (some districts or faith partners keep small hardship pools). (maine.gov)

Phone and Internet Help

What to do if this doesn’t work: Use Lifeline to reduce a basic connection, and call the Public Advocate if you face billing disputes with a regulated phone provider. (maine.gov)

Program Snapshot Tables

Programs at a Glance

Program Who It Helps Typical Benefit Where to Apply/Call
HEAP (heating) Low‑income renters/homeowners 88–88–1,012 heating; crisis up to $800 MaineHousing HEAP; local CAAs; LIHEAP Clearinghouse (mainehousing.org)
ECIP (crisis fuel) HEAP‑eligible households in crisis Emergency fuel/power to avert no‑heat Local CAAs; PUC programs page (maine.gov)
LIAP/ELP (electric credits) LIHEAP/DHHS‑eligible Monthly bill credit; CMP ELP up to $1,200/yr PUC LIAP; CMP ELP (maine.gov)
AMP (arrears forgiveness) Electric customers with $500+ arrears Up to 500forgivenmonthly,max500 forgiven monthly, max 6,000/year CMP AMP; Versant AMP (cmpco.com)
Gas Discounts Unitil (30%), Bangor Gas (28%), Summit (28% dist.) % off specified charges Unitil; Bangor Gas/Unitil; Summit (unitil.com)
Weatherization/CHIP HEAP‑eligible Insulation/air‑sealing; furnace repair/replace PUC programs; CHIP (maine.gov)
Efficiency Maine Rebates All incomes (enhanced for LMI) Up to 8,000insulation;upto8,000 insulation; up to 9,000 heat pumps Insulation Rebates; Heat Pumps (efficiencymaine.com)

HEAP Income Limits (2025–2026)

Household Size 1‑Month 3‑Month 12‑Month
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

Use MaineHousing’s posted chart for sizes 5–10 and deductions; start at HEAP income limits and confirm with your CAA. (mainehousing.org)

Electric Shutoff Protections — Key Dates

Period What Changes Where to Read
Nov 15 – Apr 15 No disconnections without PUC permission; special winter arrangements available PUC FAQs; Title 35‑A §718 (maine.gov)
Medical Emergency Doctor certification halts shutoff; reconnection by next day 5 p.m. PUC §11 Medical Emergency; CMP LifeLight (regulations.justia.com)
After Apr 15 Normal collections resume; ask for payment plans and bill credits CMP notice (Mar 2025); PUC CAD (cmpco.com)

Water Help — What Exists Now

Provider/Area Program How to Request
Portland Water District (Cumberland & nearby) Lifeline water rates; low‑income plumbing help via The Opportunity Alliance Call 1-207-761-8310; ask how to document HEAP; see Rates for “Low Income” tier (pwd.org)
Maine Water Company (various towns) Hardship payment arrangements Call 1-800-287-1643; see Assistance page (mainewater.com)
Statewide State Water Assistance (ARPA) is closed Use OPA low‑income page and 211 Maine to find local stopgaps (www1.maine.gov)

Quick Contacts for Electric and Gas

Utility Customer Service Help Pages
Central Maine Power 1-800-750-4000; credit/collections 1-800-686-4044 Help With Your Bill; SimplePay budget plan (cmpco.com)
Versant Power 1-855-363-7211 or 1-207-973-2000 LIAP; AMP (versantpower.com)
Unitil (Northern Utilities) 1-888-301-7700 Residential discount/LIHEAP (unitil.com)
Summit Natural Gas 1-800-909-7642 Low-Income Program (summitnaturalgasmaine.com)
Bangor Gas (Unitil) 1-207-941-9595 Unitil discount info (unitil.com)

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support

  • Keep ME Warm (statewide emergency fuel): This fund fills gaps when public funds run out; referrals flow through 211 Maine and your CAA. Learn and donate at Keep ME Warm and see United Way’s initiatives. If you’re in a crisis, tell 211 you’ve applied to HEAP and ask for Keep ME Warm screening. (w.211maine.org)
  • AIO Food & Energy Assistance (Knox County): AIO can prevent electricity disconnections and fund home heating for Knox County families in tight spots; see AIO Energy Assistance and program stats in AIO’s annual report. Call 1-207-596-1043 (main) and keep working with your CAA and CMP or Versant. (aiofoodpantry.org)
  • Catholic Charities Maine (Relief & Hope Services): Limited emergency funds can help with basic needs when other aid is exhausted. Start at Relief & Hope Services, call 1-800-781-8550, and ask for a parish partner referral; see Get Help for statewide programs. (ccmaine.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Re-apply monthly with your town’s General Assistance (GA uses a 30‑day cycle) and ask 211 Maine for church‑run fuel funds near you. (maine.gov)

Resources by Region — Find Your Community Action Agency (CAA)

Use the online HEAP application, then call the agency below for your county. If you can’t reach them, contact 211 Maine to schedule.

Diverse Communities — Tailored Tips and Resources

County‑Specific Notes You Should Know

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not calling the utility first: Skipping that call can cost you a flexible plan. Always ask for a “Special Payment Arrangement” and put your HEAP/LIAP status on record; check PUC FAQs while you speak. If they refuse, call PUC CAD right away. (maine.gov)
  • Waiting until the tank is empty: ECIP has rules (like 1/8 tank oil or <25% propane), and funding is limited. Ask for ECIP as soon as you meet crisis thresholds and reference your CAA’s ECIP page (e.g., Penquis). (penquis.org)
  • Assuming water help still exists statewide: The ARPA‑funded Maine Water Assistance Program closed, so call 211 Maine for local options and ask your water district for a payment plan. Confirm closure at the OPA low‑income page. (www1.maine.gov)

Reality Check — Delays, Denials, and Funding Gaps

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Application Checklist — Screenshot‑Friendly

If Your Application Gets Denied (or Delayed)

  • Ask for a written reason: Request the denial letter and ask your CAA to explain the exact rule (income calculation, missing document, or funding limits). Use MaineHousing HEAP to compare limits. (mainehousing.org)
  • Fix and re‑apply: If it’s missing documents or a technicality, re‑submit quickly. For timing issues or wait‑lists, ask the CAA to note you on ECIP alerts and to pre‑screen you for LIAP/ELP credits. (maine.gov)
  • Escalate smartly: If you believe a rule was misapplied or a utility isn’t honoring protections, contact the PUC Consumer Assistance Division and the Office of the Public Advocate for guidance. (maine.gov)

FAQs — Maine Utility Help for Single Moms

  1. How fast can I get emergency fuel if my tank is under 1/8?
    Ask your CAA for ECIP crisis service. Many agencies can arrange same‑day or next‑day delivery when funds are available and you meet ECIP thresholds. Start with your county CAA (e.g., Penquis ECIP; WMCA ECIP), and keep your phone close for callbacks. (penquis.org)
  2. I heat with electricity. Can HEAP help me?
    Yes. HEAP covers electric heat. Also enroll for LIAP/ELP credits with your utility. If you have arrears, ask for AMP forgiveness. (maine.gov)
  3. What should I expect for HEAP timelines this winter?
    Apply as early as August. In late winter, funds can run out and move to a wait‑list; that happened March 28, 2025. See MaineHousing’s notice and apply early. (mainehousing.org)
  4. My disconnect date is tomorrow. What can I do tonight?
    Call the utility and the PUC hotline to request a Special Payment Arrangement and put your HEAP/LIAP status on record. If there’s a medical risk, use PUC §11 medical emergency rules and ask for next‑day reconnection. (maine.gov)
  5. Will my electric utility forgive my past‑due balance?
    Possibly, if you qualify for the AMP. On‑time payments can forgive up to 500monthly,upto500 monthly, up to 6,000 over 12 months (utility‑specific caps). See CMP’s AMP/ELP info. (versantpower.com)
  6. Is there help for oxygen pump or ventilator electricity costs?
    Yes. Combine LIAP/ELP with CMP LifeLight or Versant’s Oxygen Pump Benefit; PUC medical rules prevent shutoff during certified emergencies. (cmpco.com)
  7. What about water bills?
    Portland Water District has Lifeline water rates. Elsewhere, ask Maine Water for a payment plan and call 211 Maine to locate local funds. Statewide ARPA water aid has ended, per the OPA low‑income page. (pwd.org)
  8. Are there rebates to permanently lower my bills?
    Yes. Check Efficiency Maine insulation rebates and heat pump incentives; homeowners who are HEAP+CHIP‑eligible should ask about MaineHousing’s Heat Pump Program. (efficiencymaine.com)
  9. Who can help if my utility won’t work with me?
    Call PUC CAD at 1-800-452-4699 and the Office of the Public Advocate at 1-207-624-3687. For group issues, OPA explains 10‑Person Complaints. (maine.gov)
  10. Is there a simple guide I can print?
    Yes. Download the GEO Winter Heating Guide and share it with your landlord and support worker. It’s updated for 2024–2025 with program links and fuel price tracking. (maine.gov)

Spanish Summary (Resumen en Español)

Esta sección es un resumen breve con los enlaces más importantes. La traducción fue creada con herramientas de IA.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

Purpose: This guide is for general information to help Maine single parents navigate utility help quickly. Scope: Programs change based on funding, season, and local policies. Action: Always confirm current eligibility, amounts, and timelines with your utility, local Community Action Agency, or the State before making decisions. Use official contacts such as MaineHousing HEAP, PUC Consumer Assistance, and the Office of the Public Advocate for final guidance. (mainehousing.org)

Notes on timelines and amounts: According to state and utility sources cited above, winter disconnection protections run Nov 15–Apr 15; HEAP 2025–2026 opens Aug 1, 2025; HEAP moved to a wait‑list March 28, 2025; LIAP/ELP and AMP details vary by utility; natural gas discounts (28–30%) are tied to LIHEAP eligibility; Efficiency Maine’s LMI rebates and IRA rebates are current as posted but may pause if funding changes — always call to confirm current availability before applying. (legislature.maine.gov)

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