Eligible Lexington and Concord households that heat with oil can apply for a new one-time benefit of up to $680 beginning in December.

Gov. Maura Healey announced the assistance Monday, Oct. 5, while declaring a statewide energy emergency. The administration estimates its heating assistance and temporary electric-bill measures will provide nearly $150 million in relief.

Who can qualify

The new Middle-Income Heating Oil Relief program serves households using No. 2 heating oil whose income falls above the limit for existing heating assistance.

For a four-person household, the state lists an annual gross income range of $103,050 to $171,749. For someone living alone, the range is $53,586 to $89,308, according to the program’s eligibility page.

Applications open in December 2026. Residents can sign up now for an opening notification through the program page, but that interest form is not an application.

The administration expects about 50,000 households to qualify. Assistance will remain available through April 30, 2027, or until funding is exhausted.

Existing heating assistance remains available

Lower-income households can apply now for the Home Energy Assistance Program, known as HEAP, which helps pay winter heating bills.

Eligibility depends on household income, size and other factors. A four-person household’s income limit is $103,049. Homeowners and renters can qualify, including some renters whose heat is included in their rent. Applicants do not need to receive public assistance or have overdue heating bills.

HEAP covers eligible costs from Nov. 1 through April 30 and pays heating providers directly, according to state guidance.

The state’s current estimates range from $870 to $1,450 for deliverable fuels and $600 to $1,000 for utility heating. Individual benefits vary.

Temporary electric-bill relief

The administration announced plans to cover the SMART solar-program charge on residential and commercial electric bills from January through March 2027, estimating $80 million in savings.

It also plans emergency regulatory action to reduce the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard obligation by 50 percent this winter, estimating another $20 million in relief through electricity supply costs.

The emergency declaration directs state agencies to monitor and enforce protections against petroleum price gouging. Separately, Citizens Energy Corporation is contributing $100,000 to launch an Emergency Winter Warmth Fund, according to the governor’s announcement.

Residents can find assistance information at mass.gov/heatinghelp or call the state’s Cold Relief Heatline at 800-632-8175.