Black rail cars sit in a railyard.
Rail cars carrying heating oil from Canada sit in the snow at a Dead River Company distribution terminal in Presque Isle. Photo by Annie Ropeik.

Hooked on Heating Oil

ABOUT THIS SERIES

Maine relies on home heating oil more than any other state. Ending that costly dependence could improve lives and fight climate change, but it won’t be easy. Low-income Mainers face barriers in joining the state’s push for efficient electric heat pumps, while wood heat raises complex questions about Maine’s carbon balance. The series examines Maine’s reliance on oil, the efforts to transition to new kinds of heat, and the potential for our homes to someday be fossil-free.

Follow Us

Maine relies on home heating oil more than any other state. Ending that costly dependence could improve lives and fight climate change, but it won’t be easy.

Latest Articles

STAY INFORMED

Our newsletters will keep you informed via email for free!

SUPPORT OUR WORK

Please consider donating so our reporters can continue telling stories like these.

KNOW OF A STORY?

Many of our stories have been based off a reader’s suggestion.

The Maine Monitor has five newsletters to keep you informed about Maine.
SIGN UP