What Is Fuel Insecurity?

Maine winters are harsh, and heating a home with wood is both traditional and necessary for many families. However, with the rising costs of fuel, some face the impossible choice between staying warm and covering other essential expenses. Our mission is simple: ensure that no family has to go cold. We believe that by coming together as a community, we can provide warmth, safety, and peace of mind to those in need.

According to a 2019 Maine Low-Income Home Energy Burden Study, low-income households in Maine have an average energy burden of 19%, much higher than the 6% average for all Maine households. Energy burden is the percentage of a household’s gross income spent on energy costs. To put it in perspective, a household with an energy burden of 6% or more is considered to have a high energy burden, which means a significant portion of their income goes towards heating their homes, leaving less for other necessities.