The price of your home heating fuel source is probably on your mind living in cold Massachusetts.

The Average House In Massachusetts Burns 5 Gallons a Day; If it's Really Cold, Then 10 Gallons a day is Possible!

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Crude prices as of this writing are anywhere between $75-$80 a barrel.

PROPANE AVERAGING A DOLLAR LESS THAN OIL IN MASS.

Oil prices averaging $3.79/gallon

Propane averaging $2.59/gallon

Winter is 20 days away in Massachusetts and the heat is on in your house. For energy consumption's sake, maybe an El Nino winter will play out to be as mild as they predict.

Heating oil remained the most expensive fuel to heat an average household this past winter, costing $2,023 through the winter.

Propane was less expensive at $1,492 while natural gas heating totaled $907 in the 2022/23 heating season. -mass.gov

How Many Residents in Massachusetts Rely On Oil Heat?

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Massachusetts residents like me do not have the option to switch to natural gas as my street does not provide it. Yes, natural gas in the state is not an option for everyone. Neighbors can band together in certain situations, however, and request it.

Benefits of Switching to Natural Gas

Burns cleaner
Costs less
Resale value of home is greater

Oil, however, is still the primary source for heat in the state for about 650,000 households.

What is the Breakdown of Fuel Heat Sources In Massachusetts?

In 2021, more than half of Massachusetts households used natural gas for home heating, about one in four relied on fuel oil, and more than one in six households used electricity. eia.gov

Gas: 52%

Electricity: 18%

Oil: 24%

Propane: 5%

Other/None: 1%

Some homes in Massachusetts don't have the option for natural gas as a fuel source due to the fact that lines are unavailable in their location.

Massachusetts Home Heating and Energy Assistance

Homeowners and renters, including households whose cost of heat is included in the rent, can apply in person at the agency in their area or through the online application.

Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member, 18 years of age or older.

Household income cannot exceed 60% of estimated State Median Income

This program provides assistance through a fixed benefit amount for the cost of the primary source of heat with includes, but is not limited to: Oil, Electricity, Natural gas, Propane, Kerosene, Wood, and Coal.

If eligible, discounts are automatically given on:

electric bills for investor-owned electric utilities
gas bills for investor-owned gas utilities
telephone bills

Payments for actual usage or fuel delivery are made directly to the heating vendor for primary energy needs from November 1st to April 30th.

Eligibility/Selection Criteria

There are a variety of factors that impact the eligibility of a household.
Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member, 18 years of age or older.
Household income cannot exceed 60% of estimated State Median Income
Please contact the local fuel assistance agency for detailed information on criteria used for eligibility.
Housing subsidies will also determine the specific benefit level.