Energy & Housing

Provides assistance replacing home heating oil tanks that are at a “high risk” of discharging oil to the environment by leaking or in danger of tipping over, etc. Eligible households must be owner-occupied, single family residences who receive the Home Energy Assistance Program. (HEAP) 

Provides assistance to income-eligible households for emergency fuel delivery or an electrical disconnect emergency.  A Household may be eligible for ECIP if a Household member's health and safety is threatened by an Energy or Life-Threatening Crisis and if the Household does not have the financial means to avert the energy crisis.  To qualify for ECIP the household must be below 1/8 tank of oil or about to be disconnected. There are a limited number of ECIP requests that can be fulfilled each day.  If all slots are filled, you will have to call back the next business day to request the ECIP benefit. Household must be eligible for HEAP. 

Provides several levels of home energy usage evaluations and may provide recommendations for upgrades and predictions of savings. Licensed Energy Auditors provide these services on a fee-for-service basis. 

Foreclosure prevention counseling services are provided to homeowners who are at risk of falling behind on their mortgage payments or are facing foreclosure. 

 Provides financial assistance to income and program-eligible households to help address energy costs.  

For the safety of our customers and staff, HEAP Appointments will be conducted by phone. Customers do not need to go to the ACAP Office, they will be called on the appointed day and time to complete their application over the phone. 

Provides zero percent no payments, deferred/forgivable loans or grants to income-eligible homeowners for home repair, replacement or repair of septic systems, lead hazard reduction, replacement housing, and other essential improvements necessary to permit use by persons with disabilities and energy related repairs and improvements to homes. Service is prioritized to assist those households with the greatest home repair need with consideration given to the elderly and household income

ACAP offers a hoMEworks approved 8-hour homebuyer education class taught by industry professionals (lenders, home inspectors, real estate agents) in an educational, non-sales oriented environment. The course offering is open to the public, registration is required. Contact Greg Doak, certified hoMEworks instructor, for a class schedule and registration 207-764-3721 or gdoak@acap-me.org.

Upcoming Class Dates:

• Saturday, October 10 from 8 am to 5pm
• Saturday, November 14 from 8 am to 5 pm

*Due to Covid-19 live classes have currently transitioned to a web based platform and are being taught via Zoom meetings. Special accommodations are in place for those unable to access a class via Zoom.*

The hoMEworks homebuyer education classes provide an opportunity to learn about the home buying process in a neutral environment. Buyers who have taken home buying classes are more confident when asking questions and making decisions about homeownership and loan products. Education gives buyers the tools they need to avoid predatory lending and possible foreclosure.

If you are unable to attend a local live class, hoMEworks also has partnered with e-hoME America to offer a fee-based online certification course. Vist the eHome website to register: https://www.ehomeamerica.org/acap

Completion of a hoMEworks live class or eHomeAmerica online course is acceptable if you’re applying for a MaineHousing mortgage with the Advantage option. If you're buying a house with your spouse or another person who will legally share the financial responsibility for making mortgage payments, then both of you must complete a class prior to loan closing.  If completing the eHomeAmerica online course, each must obtain their own certificate.

Provides inspections of buildings to detect the presence of lead paint on the interior and exterior surfaces of buildings. Subsidy for lead testing and the abatement of lead hazards may be available to households in pre-1978 housing with a child under age 6. Landlords may also qualify for a subsidy for tenants who are income-eligible, live in pre-1978 rental units, and have a child under 6. Income guidelines are at or below 80% of AMI for owner-occupied residences and tenants of rental units. 

Assists HEAP-eligible customers with electric bill payments.

Purchases and installs a variety of energy conservation materials for income-eligible households. Household must be eligible for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.