Oil Heat Prices Punish Locals

With fewer options than other parts of the US, New England is especially dependent on fuel oil for heat.

With households that heat with oil facing another extra expensive winter, residents of Franklin and Medway have several sources of financial assistance available, including an expanded state program, private charities and help applying for benefits through local senior centers.

The state's Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, helps qualifying homeowners and renters pay winter heating costs, including oil. For the 2026-27 season, households may qualify with income up to 60% of the state median income — $53,585 for one person, $70,073 for two and $103,049 for four. Benefits for deliverable fuels such as heating oil are likely between $870 and $1,450, depending on income and other factors.

Massachusetts is also introducing a significant new program specifically for middle-income households using No. 2 heating oil. Households earning between 60% and 100% of state median income may qualify for a one-time benefit of up to $680. For a four-person household, that covers incomes above $103,049 and up to $171,749. Applications are scheduled to open in December, with assistance available through April 30, 2027, or until funding is exhausted.

Residents who qualify for HEAP may also be eligible for the state's Weatherization Assistance Program and HEARTWAP, which can provide energy-efficiency improvements and emergency heating-system repair or replacement.

Local help is available with the application process. In Franklin, the Social Services Coordinator at the Franklin Senior Center (Susan Thach) assists all Franklin residents, not just  seniors, with fuel-assistance and other public-benefit applications. Appointments can be made at 508-520-4945. Franklin veterans and eligible family members may also qualify for help with heating or oil costs through the town's Municipal Veterans' Assistance Fund.

In Medway, outreach workers at the Medway Council on Aging help residents apply for fuel assistance and other benefits. The town directs residents to call 508-533-3210 for assistance.

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources reports a statewide retail average of $6.12 per gallon for full-service heating oil dealers (which typically run higher than cash-and-carry or discount brokers). Local prices can vary by as much as a dollar, with some dealers offering lower price for deliveries paid in cash.