PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The federal government has released $21.5 million in heating oil assistance funds for low-income Mainers.

U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe said the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services helps offset the cost of heating oil for homeowners and renters in need. Maine is expected to receive additional LIHEAP funds this winter.

Snowe said households heating primarily with oil are expected to spend $220 more on oil this winter than last winter.