HVAC companies have urged Massachusetts residents not to wait until the first major cold snap to check their systems. As a result, applications for Massachusetts' Home Energy Assistance Program are already surging, with one major community agency reporting about 200 calls a day.
Here's what to know
HEAP helps eligible households cover part of their winter heating bills for oil, natural gas, or electricity. Applications for the state's Home Energy Assistance Program opened Oct. 1, and demand is already outpacing last year's, according to Boston 25 News.
Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) has received more than 6,200 HEAP applications. ABCD CEO Sharon Scott-Chandler described the surge, saying: "We are receiving like 200 calls daily."
The Healey administration is expanding heating assistance for low-income households and adding a new benefit for some middle-income families who use oil heat.
More background
Massachusetts' heating season stretches from Nov. 1 through April 30. During that window, household energy costs can rise sharply, especially for residents who rely on delivered oil or electric heat.
Assistance with winter fuel costs can ease the strain of balancing heat with other basic necessities, while waiting too long can leave families in a difficult position once the coldest months arrive.
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The new middle-income oil-heat benefit also points to a broader affordability challenge, extending support beyond the lowest-income households to families that may still struggle with unpredictable heating costs.
What can be done?
Residents who think they may qualify can apply for HEAP as early as possible rather than waiting until winter bills begin to pile up.
Residents are also being urged to check their heating systems before temperatures plunge. Scott MacFarlane, vice president of MacFarlane Energy, said early testing can reveal problems before they turn into emergencies.
MacFarlane Energy is also pointing customers to more predictable payment options.
"We tend to recommend the budget plan, which is over 11 months," a company representative said.
"They can spread their heating system bills over 11 months and not really worry about the demand months like December and January," MacFarlane added.
The company takes part in the HEAP fuel assistance program and encourages residents who may need help to reach out.
MacFarlane also said: "If you haven't kicked it on already this year, start it up now. If they are going to break, it's going to be now when the heating system starts."
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