If you’re like me, you’ve been loving the fall weather we have had so far. The sunny days and cool, crisp air are perfect for just about any activity you can think of. Sadly though, as Mainers we know these days are short lived and that another winter will be here before we know it. We also know it’s important to get prepared for winter, whether it’s stacking firewood or checking your generator. And with home heating prices still high, I know thinking about the season ahead can be an uncertain and even frightening time for many. That’s why I wanted to make sure folks in our community are aware of a very important program that’s available to help people who may struggle to afford to heat their homes.

It’s called the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), and it’s a federally funded program that’s administered by local community action agencies here in Maine. For folks who struggle to afford heating bills, this program is a crucial lifeline that helps make sure no one gets left in the cold. In Cumberland County, HEAP is administered by The Opportunity Alliance. If you think you might need help paying for heat this winter, I encourage you to apply for this program as soon as possible.

To learn more or set up an appointment, visit www.opportunityalliance.org/heap or call (207) 553-5900. You can also ask about the Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP) during your appointment, which helps folks cover electricity costs by providing a credit on their bill.

While high energy costs can largely be attributed to global factors such as the Russian war in Ukraine, my colleagues and I know we need to do all we can to help Mainers in the short and long term. That’s why this year, we passed a new law that will bring greater accountability and consumer input to the electric rate-setting process. This law established a new stakeholder group that will review price-setting decisions and give Mainers a seat at the table during these conversations. To help small businesses with high energy burdens, we passed a new law that creates a tiered credit worth up to $3,000 for eligible small businesses. This credit will help locally owned grocery stores, convenience stores and dairy farms keep the lights on and refrigerators running. We also cut red tape in the HEAP program, to make sure folks are getting the help they need, not getting caught up in a bureaucratic mess.

Finally, the Legislature passed a law that I sponsored and worked closely with Gov. Mills on, which will hold our utility companies accountable to higher standards. We all know CMP and Versant need to do a much better job serving Maine ratepayers, and this law requires it. Additionally, the law gives us a voice in planning for a clean energy future. This will be crucial in having affordable, reliable power going forward.

While I know that this winter in particular can be daunting, please know that help is available if you need it. In addition, my colleagues and I will continue doing all we can to provide relief in the face of inflation and high energy costs.

If you ever have a question, comment, or idea, you can always send me an email at Stacy.Brenner@legislature.maine.gov or call my office at (207) 287-1515.

Stacy Brenner is serving her first term in the Maine Senate, representing Senate District 30, which includes Gorham, part of Buxton, and part of Scarborough. She is the co-owner of Broadturn Farm in Scarborough and is also a certified nurse-midwife.