4 p.m.: A New England heating oil company will double its yearly donation to heating assistance programs in Maine and southern New Hampshire this fall.

Downeast Energy & Building Supply will increase from $50,000 to $100,000 its heating assistance contribution due to rising oil prices that are expected to greatly increase demand, executives announced today.

The company supplies funds to more than a dozen programs that distribute heating assistance funds, including Catholic Charities, United Way and the recently-formed Keeping Neighbors Warm, which serves nine communities in York County.

Downeast President John Peters made the announcement at a press conference attended by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, this morning in Biddeford.