Newton’s municipal energy spending is projected to rise about 4% this winter, while Massachusetts households heating with oil face sharply higher fuel prices.

Chief Financial Officer Maureen Lemieux told the Newton Beacon that the city’s purchasing consortium secured favorable pricing before the Iran war drove markets higher. The arrangement is expected to limit pressure on the city budget.

For residents buying heating oil, the outlook is more expensive. Massachusetts prices averaged $6.17 a gallon during the week of Nov. 2, compared with $3.63 a year earlier, according to the Department of Energy Resources.

At those prices, a 275-gallon purchase would cost about $1,697—roughly $699 more than a year ago. Actual costs depend on the dealer, delivery quantity and any pricing agreement.

Uneven effects on households

About 10% of Newton homes use heating oil or kerosene, compared with 68% using natural gas and 15% using electricity, the Beacon reported.

Newton Energy Commission Chair Phil Hanser told the outlet that renters and lower-income households face particular challenges. Renters often have limited control over heating equipment or building efficiency.

Higher fuel costs can also put pressure on household budgets for food and other necessities, Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association President Michael Ferrante told the Beacon.

Massachusetts expands heating assistance

Gov. Maura Healey declared a state of energy emergency Oct. 5 and announced expanded winter assistance, including a new benefit for middle-income households that heat with oil.

The one-time program is expected to reach approximately 50,000 households that previously earned too much to qualify for heating assistance. Eligible households can receive up to $680. A family of four earning above $103,049 and up to $171,749 may qualify, subject to program requirements.

Applications for the middle-income oil benefit open in December 2026, according to the state’s assistance guide.

Separately, the state announced an additional $15 million for the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP. The plan increases assistance by 20% for oil-heated households and 15% for households heated through utilities. The emergency declaration also activates protections against petroleum price gouging, according to the state announcement.

Where to get help

HEAP covers eligible heating expenses incurred from Nov. 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027. Both homeowners and renters may qualify, including some households whose heat is included in rent.

Residents can find application information and local administering agencies at mass.gov/heatinghelp.

Newton’s resource-navigation team can help residents identify assistance and navigate applications. Call 617-796-1420 or visit the city’s fuel assistance page.