Financial Assistance

Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): This program offers financial assistance specifically for your home heating bills. It works by making payments directly to your fuel supplier or utility company on your behalf, ensuring you stay warm during the colder months. 

Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP): If you’re struggling with your electric bills, EUSP can help by covering a portion of your current bills. Once you’re part of this program, you’ll be enrolled in a Budget Billing plan with your utility company. This plan spreads out your annual utility costs into even monthly payments, smoothing out the highs and lows caused by changing seasons and energy use. It’s a great way to manage your finances more predictably, but be sure to check with your utility company for eligibility details and their specific budget billing policies. 

Arrearage Retirement Assistance: For those facing large, overdue electric and gas bills, this assistance might be the lifeline you need. Eligible customers could receive a grant of up to $2,000 to help clear their past due bills, provided they owe $300 or more. Keep in mind, this kind of grant is only available once every five years, with some exceptions for special circumstances. 

Utility Service Protection Program (USPP): Aimed at protecting low-income families from having their utilities turned off during the heating season, USPP is an essential program. If you’re eligible for MEAP, you can participate in USPP, which also requires enrolling in a year-round, even monthly budget billing. Be aware that failing to keep up with payments can lead to being removed from the program. 

Weatherization Program (WAP): WAP is a program that helps make homes more energy-efficient and comfortable. Here’s how it works: 

• Automatic Referral: If you apply for the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP), you’re automatically referred to the Weatherization Assistance Program. This means you don’t have to do anything extra to be considered for help with weatherizing your home unless you choose to opt out. 

• Contact from WAP Office: If you qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program, the WAP office will get in touch with you before providing any benefits. They’ll explain what they can do to help make your home more energy efficient. 

• Free Home Improvements: Your information is passed on to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). This department offers programs that can fix up and improve your home at no cost to you. These improvements might include cleaning and tuning up your furnace, adding insulation to keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and giving you energy-efficient light bulbs. These changes can help lower your utility bills and make your home more comfortable to live in. 

• Supporting EmPOWER Maryland: The energy efficiency and weatherization programs provided by DHCD support the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act, which aims to make homes more energy-efficient statewide. 

Maryland Office of the People’s Counsel: This is your go-to for consumer rights fact sheets, applications for energy assistance, and information on making your home more energy-efficient. Visit their website or call at 1-800-207-4055 for more guidance. 

Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP): Part of the Maryland Department of Human Resources, OHEP is another valuable resource ready to assist you. Contact them at 1-800-352-1446 to learn more about how they can help. 

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD): For more information or if you have questions about the Weatherization Assistance Program, you can call 1-855-583-8976 or visit the DHCD website. 

Remember, these programs are designed to support you in keeping your home comfortable and your energy bills manageable, even when times are tough. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of the help available to you.