AUGUSTA (AP) – As fuel prices soar well above last year’s levels, a legislative committee plans to gather today to search for possible state responses to help ease the impact on Maine families and businesses.

The Senate chairman of the Utilities and Energy Committee that deals with energy issues, Democrat Philip Bartlett of Gorham, said government action now is essential.

“We know that these price increases will have a potentially disastrous effect on Maine’s citizens,” he said. “If we really want to have an impact we must act now.”

The committee’s House chairman, Democrat Lawrence Bliss of South Portland, said he has received numerous calls from constituents who are worried about energy prices. Bliss agreed that action is needed before the Legislature convenes in January.

Meanwhile, Gov. John Baldacci is urging New England-wide conservation efforts in preparation for what could be a serious energy problem this winter.

Baldacci, chairman of the Coalition of Northeastern Governors, submitted to each New England governor a draft proposal calling for a regional electricity and natural gas conservation initiative.

The memo is in response to predictions by ISO-New England that natural gas supplies in New England will be tight, causing prices to remain at high levels. About 40 percent of the six-state region’s electricity supply is derived from natural gas.

ISO-New England manages the reliable operation of New England’s bulk power generation and transmission system.