Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) encourages limited income customers to investigate energy programs to ease the burden through the winter.
“It is extremely important that customers reach out to BGE before finding themselves in a crisis, so that we can work together to identify solutions,” said Rob Biagiotti, BGE’s vice president of customer operations and chief customer officer. “There are resources available to eligible customers that can help address past-due amounts as well as future payments. BGE also has a Budget Billing program available to all customers which spreads payments out over a 12 month period, so customers aren’t as affected by seasonal increases in energy use.”
If a customer’s most recent monthly income is less than or equal to the amount below, they may be eligible for energy assistance and help with energy bills. Customers do not need to have a turn-off notice to apply for energy assistance.
Household Size Maximum Monthly Gross Income
1 $1,733
2 $2,336
3 $2,940
4 $3,544
5 $4,148
6 $4,751
7 $5,356
8 $5,963
For each additional person, add $607.00.
Customers applying for energy assistance will need the following for processing:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Proof of residence (lease, rent book, mortgage statement)
- Copies of Social Security Cards for all household members, including children
- Proof of all of your household’s total gross income for the last 30 days (from all sources of income)
- The name of your home energy supplier and account number
- A copy of your most recent utility bill
Qualifying customers can also apply for grants at any OHEP office during normal business hours at 2700 N. Charles Street, Suite 202, Baltimore. For more information on OHEP, call 410.396.5555. Customers who live outside of Baltimore City can contact OHEP at 800-352-1446. Customers who need aid beyond the OHEP grant may also contact the Fuel Fund of Maryland at 410.821.3022, or visit them online: Fuel Fund of Maryland.
Additional Resources for Customers:
BGE’s Community Resource Guide (informally known as The Purple Book) – A collection of resources and information about assistance programs of all kinds – federal, state and local, as well as programs from BGE and non-profit providers. The Guide is available in English and Spanish.
Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) and Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) – EUSP is a state program that helps qualifying limited-income customers pay the electric portion of their bills. MEAP provides a grant for qualifying limited-income customers regardless of their heating source. Customers may apply for either or both programs once a year, starting July 1 each year. The programs provide bill payment assistance, resolution of past utility debts and selected weatherization services to make residences more energy efficient. Call 800-352-1446 for information. EUSP and MEAP applications and brochures can be downloaded from the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) website.
Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) – Customers who enroll in either EUSP or MEAP are eligible to enroll in the Utility Service Protection Program. USPP provides a means for limited-income customers who qualify and comply with the payment terms of the USPP agreement to protect their utility service. Call 800.352.1446 for information about the USPP, or visit the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) website.
BGE Smart Energy Savers Program – BGE offers a host of empowering choices to help customers conserve energy, save money and protect the environment.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) – If you qualify for MEAP, you may also be eligible to receive weatherization services through the Weatherization Assistance Program. Ask about weatherization when you apply for your energy assistance grant or contact your local weatherization office, at 800-638-7781, or visit them online: Maryland Weatherization Assistance Program.
Fuel Fund of Maryland – BGE works with the Fuel Fund to make bill assistance available to eligible households. BGE provides customer-funded matching credits for customers who apply for and receive help from the Fuel Fund. For more information, including where to apply, call the Fuel Fund at 410.821.3022, or visit them online: Fuel Fund of Maryland.
2-1-1 Maryland – 2-1-1 Maryland provides a link to community health and human service resources statewide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 150 languages. Dial 2-1-1 to find assistance when you or someone you know needs help, from child care, jobs, health care, and insurance — to emergency services to help you in times of disaster or crisis.
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