Another Maine Winter, Another Reason to Cry Over the Heating Bill

Well, here we go again, Maine.

Just when you thought the cost of literally everything couldn't possibly get any worse, heating oil has apparently decided to join the party. And not in a fun way.

According to the Maine Department of Energy Resources, the average price of heating oil in Maine has officially hit $6.04 per gallon, setting yet another record.

SIX. DOLLARS. A. GALLON.

I don't know about you, but I remember when getting an oil delivery was just another one of those annoying household expenses. Now? You practically need to sit down and have a serious conversation with your checking account before calling the oil company.

And here's where it gets even more ridiculous.

At current prices, filling a standard 275-gallon heating oil tank could cost roughly $750 more than it did last fall. That's not an extra 20 bucks here or there. That's a car payment, a grocery bill, or money that could've gone toward Christmas presents for the kids.

And let's face it, living in Maine means heating your house isn't exactly optional. We can't just throw on a sweatshirt and hope for the best when January rolls around and it's 15 below outside.

There is some potential relief on the way. The federal government recently announced plans to release 315,000 barrels of heating oil from an emergency reserve in hopes of easing prices. Whether that actually makes a noticeable difference in what we pay remains to be seen.

For families who need a little help, Maine's Home Energy Assistance Program is accepting applications. You can find information through MaineHousing, contact your local community action agency, or simply call 211.

Look, I don't pretend to have all the answers when it comes to global oil markets or why we're paying what we're paying.

I just know that a whole lot of us are looking at the calendar, looking at our bank accounts, and wondering how the heck we're supposed to get through another Maine winter without going broke.

And something tells me I'm not the only one.