An Act Regarding Home Heating Fuel Assistance

This bill establishes Maine's Home Heating Fuel Assistance Program to help low-income households cover heating costs. It creates a new Office of Home Heating Fuel Assistance within the Department, which will administer the program and negotiate bulk fuel discounts with suppliers. Key provisions require the commissioner to use cost-effective purchasing methods (like fixed-price agreements and automatic deliveries) to maximize savings for participants. The program directly assists households meeting income criteria who struggle to pay for home heating fuel during cold months.