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Can your power be shut off on a hot day?
You can be terminated! In the summer, a utility may terminate gas and electric service for non-payment of bills (subject to some restrictions).
Click here, for additional information.
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The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) provides bill assistance to income-eligible households in the State of Maryland to make their energy costs more affordable and to help with the prevention of loss and the restoration of home energy service. The Office of People's Counsel encourages anyone who is behind on their utility bills to not wait to receive a turn-off notice and apply for assistance.
OHEP has recently started their new program year and released the new application. Visit their website to learn more.
Click below for commonly used resources:
English Application
Spanish Application
OPC's guide to getting help with your utility bill
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Sign up for our free virtual classes. On July 20th, we will be joined by the Director of OHEP and do a deep dive into the OHEP application to ensure you get your clients' applications through the first time they apply.
To sign up for these 20-minute classes, click here.
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The Critical Medical Needs Program (CMNP) began as a voluntary partnership among the Office of People's Counsel (OPC), the Cancer Support Foundation, BGE, the Fuel Fund, Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP), Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and Certified Navigators. The program was passed into law in 2019 and expedites energy assistance to continue or restore utility services for customers who are medically vulnerable. The CMNP is administered by OHEP in partnership with Certified Navigators throughout the state. In addition to reducing barriers to the energy assistance application process for individuals who are medically vulnerable, the CMNP coordinates with DHCD for energy efficiency programs and heating/cooling system repair/replacement programs.
Becoming a Certified Navigator allows you to participate in a program that expedites your eligible clients’ applications.
For a person to participate in the CMNP, they must have a Certified Navigator to submit their application through the CMNP process. OHEP offers a free 1-hour training to those who are interested in becoming a Certified Navigator to assist their clients.
The next trainings are scheduled for:
Friday, August 18 at 11 a.m.
Friday, September 15 at 10 a.m.
Sign up 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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