LISBON
A forum at which Lisbon residents can collect information about heating and energy issues will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in the town office.
Attending the meeting to provide information will be representatives of Efficiency Maine, Community Concepts, 2-1-1, The Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union and Downeast Energy.
Judy Hardy-Goddard, Lisbon’s general assistance director, said the forum aims to help people deal with rising heating oil prices and fuel assistance cutbacks. Additionally, the forum can help inform people who don’t know about General Assistance or fuel assistance programs and who might qualify.
Not only will there be information provided for people who need heating assistance, Hardy- Goddard said, the forum also will provide information to those who want to increase the heating and energy efficiency in their homes, such as through weatherization projects — or talking about what kind of fuel best meets their situations.
A representative of the Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union will attend the forum because the credit union offers a loan program for fuel allowing residents to pay off their heating bill on a monthly basis.
The Maine State Housing Authority also offers low income loans, weatherization projects and home auditors that go to homes to look for places in a home that need to be more efficient.
Information about other ways to structure payment plans, as well as basic budgeting instruction also will be available, Hardy- Goddard said.
The town sponsored a similar forum a couple of years ago which provided a lot of good information, Hardy-Goddard said. Given the level of cutbacks in fuel assistance this winter season, Town Councilor Fern Larochelle asked if the town would organize another forum.
The Lisbon town office is located at 300 Lisbon St.
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