WESTBROOK – Nearly two-thirds of the state’s credit unions are offering some sort of fuel assistance loans, with some rates as low as 0 percent and an average rate of 4.97 percent, the Maine Credit Union League said.

Many credit unions also are offering special weatherization loans to help people make their homes more energy-efficient or help them buy alternative energy sources, such as pellet stoves, the league said.

“Hopefully, these special rates and other initiatives to help with energy costs being offered by Maine credit unions will provide consumers some relief next winter,” remarked John Murphy, president of the Maine Credit Union League.