With the winter home heating season upon us, Governor Chris Sununu and the New Hampshire Department of Energy encourage families to talk about their home heating situation amid increased national energy costs.

“While the national policy has created supply shortages driving up the cost of heating fuel, it’s important families know of the steps they can take to manage costs,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “While New Hampshire can’t control the cost of energy, we’re making unprecedented relief available and encourage families to apply for the assistance available.”

Home Energy Tips

• Call your fuel vendor and ask about setting up automatic delivery. Automatic delivery adds convenience by eliminating the need to monitor your tank and can add peace of mind as winter weather approaches and prices shift.
• If you prefer paying for fuel on demand, make sure to keep an eye on your fuel gauge and call your vendor at least 10 days in advance of needing fuel.
• Call your fuel vendor and ask about fuel payment budget plans. Budget plans might help a household make heating costs more manageable. Families should make sure to clearly understand their agreement with their fuel vendor.
• Make sure your heating system receives professional maintenance each year.
• Clean any warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed and make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes
• Information on New Hampshire energy efficiency programs can be found at https://nhsaves.com/

Assistance Programs

There are more opportunities than ever this year for households in need of assistance. Learn more about state energy – both heating and electric – assistance programs including how and where to apply at CAPNH.org.

• The Fuel Assistance program provides benefits to qualified New Hampshire households to assist with heating costs throughout the winter season.
• The Electric Assistance Program provides eligible customers with a discount on their monthly electric bills all year.
• The Gas Assistance Program provides eligible customers with a discount on their natural gas winter heating bills.

Additionally, recognizing the challenges of national energy costs this winter, the Governor and Legislature appropriated $35 million in budget surplus funds to provide additional energy assistance for moderate-income households between 60% and 75 % of the state median income.

Households are encouraged to learn more about New Hampshire’s assistance programs at CAPNH.org or by calling 211.

Home Safety

• Remember to keep any exhaust vents on your home clear of snow, ice, and other debris.
• Make sure that your driveway and the path to the tank are clear of snow.