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Enhanced benefits for utility assistance
Governor Larry Hogan announced that, to address the rise in heating costs, recipients of the state’s utility and electric assistance will receive enhanced benefits during this home heating season. Through the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), recipients will see their minimum benefit increase by 66%, from $300 to $500. Overall, MEAP is receiving a 30% increase in funding to support this enhanced benefit. Through the Electric Universal Assistance Program (EUSP), recipients will see their minimum benefit double from $150 to $300. Overall, EUSP is receiving a 32% increase in funding to support this enhanced benefit. Read the press release here.
To apply for assistance with your utility bill, visit the Office of Home Energy’s website.
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Medical certification form
If you have a serious medical illness or medical equipment in your home, you may be eligible for a Public Service Commission Medical Certification Form. The Medical Certification Form states that the termination of your utility service would aggravate an existing serious illness or would prevent you from using life support equipment. This form must be signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or a physician’s assistant and then sent to the utility company to have on file.
Having a signed Medical Certification Form on file with the utility has several benefits. The key is that the utility must know about the medical illness before any service termination.
If you or someone in your home is medically vulnerable, you may consider sending this completed form to your utility company.
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Fuel Fund of Maryland is a private non-profit that may be able to help pay your gas/electric/bulk fuel costs. Fuel Fund is an income-eligible program that can only be utilized once every 12 months. They assist with gas/electric/bulk fuel for BGE customers and bulk fuel assistance for the entire state.
You can apply to the Fuel Fund in two ways:
1) Call them at 410-235-9080
2) Apply online at www.fuelfundmaryland.org
They were recently highlighted on Fox 45, which you can watch here.
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For questions or assistance, contact Brandi Nieland, Director of Consumer Assistance at brandi.nieland@maryland.gov. |
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Your People's Counsel is David S. Lapp. Our team is here to help and advocate for you. We represent Maryland residential customers before the Public Service Commission and federal agencies, and we provide you assistance dealing with your utility issues, including affordable and reliable service.
To see what OPC is currently working on, click here for our recent press releases or click here for our media coverage.
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