Let’s be clear: If a politician can deliver affordable heating oil, he or she shouldn’t just be re-elected, but made potentate-for-life. In today’s petroleum peril, however, there’s little sense in praying for miracles.

Instead, let’s prepare for what we know is coming.

Maine government officials say support for a special legislative session about energy is growing. Lawmakers from Calais to Coburn Gore are concerned with how energy is affecting their constituencies and, by golly, they want to do something. And, by gosh, we want them to.

But before convening caucuses, the Legislature should have definitive proposals before it. This responsibility falls to Gov. John Baldacci, who must set a precise energy agenda for the Senate and House. At some $40,000 per day, according to the Capital News Service, a special session is too dear to produce only hot air.

By all accounts, the governor has plans. And Baldacci has shown ability to react swiftly to energy concerns, as evidenced by recent policy and program initiatives to support Maine’s trucking industry.

Providing support for all Mainers experiencing energy related apoplexy for this coming winter, however, is a much taller task, but one that requires short-term solutions, for when the people’s needs will be greatest.

Maine’s government is well-positioned for this. As the run on alternative home heating sources, like pellet stoves, and fuel-friendly vehicles shows, the free market is embracing options featuring energy efficiency.

So Augusta, on its own, doesn’t have to be the solution to energy problems. It can, and should, be a facilitator, troubleshooter and role-model. By leading, and helping Mainers help themselves, the state can ensure the safety of many families this winter.

In this vein, John Kerry, the director of the state’s office of energy independence, says there are heating gaps to be filled by government action. He is quite right.

Maine’s heating assistance programs, like attractive loans for energy-efficient investments, target low-income citizens/homeowners, and businesses. These programs should be expanded for middle-class citizens/homeowners and landlords – two groups sure to be hard hit.

Maine’s housing stock also has two desperate characteristics – it’s old and over-dependent on oil for heat. For cities, toss in a high percentage of rental property as well. Snugly weatherizing these homes is an important parallel effort to greater efficiency.

So is procuring wood, the old rough-and-ready heating fuel. The home of the Great North Woods should never experience a firewood shortage, as is now feared. There is opportunity for the state to unlock ways to help Maine’s forest products industry meet this new demand.

Sensible, sharp short-term solutions that help a broad swath of Mainers are needed to get through this winter’s heating hysteria. If a special session of the Legislature can turn such ideas into reality – quickly and efficiently, without wasteful debate – then by all means, call one.