Massachusetts Unveils Heating Oil Aid for Middle-Income Homes as Prices Top $6 a Gallon
Updated
Updated · The Boston Globe · Oct 6
Massachusetts Unveils Heating Oil Aid for Middle-Income Homes as Prices Top $6 a Gallon
3 articles · Updated · The Boston Globe · Oct 6
Summary
Governor Maura Healey this week launched a new aid fund for middle-income households that rely on heating oil, after declaring an energy emergency and expanding help for low-income residents.
Heating oil in Massachusetts averages $6.12 a gallon—more than $2 above last year—pushing the cost to fill a standard 275-gallon tank above $1,500 as the Iran war disrupts supply through refineries, wholesalers and retailers.
150,000 Massachusetts households received HEAP aid last winter, and the state is extending that fund to another 150,000, but assistance often covers only a fraction of seasonal needs as bills for oil, gas and electricity rise.
Maine agencies already have appointments booked into January, with one regional provider processing 10,000 applications last season and warning this could be the hardest winter in years for households and small fuel retailers.
New England senators are pressing the Trump administration to release most of $4 billion in federal LIHEAP money and add $3 billion in emergency funds before peak winter demand.