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The Office of Home Energy Programs has increased the income guidelines for two of their four grants. If you need help with your home energy bill, you may consider applying for assistance through the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). OHEP offers four different grants, and you apply for all four of these grants on one application.
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Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): MEAP income-guidelines have increased. MEAP is a home-heating grant that you can apply for every year. For most people, this grant does not renew automatically, and you will need to resubmit an annual application. You do not need a turn-off notice to apply, and the bill does not have to be in the applicant’s name.
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Gas Arrearage Retirement Assistance (GARA): GARA income-guidelines have increased. GARA is a grant of up to $2,000 to help pay down past-due natural gas charges. You must have a past-due bill of at least $300 and can only apply for this grant once every five years, though certain waivers to this rule apply. You must receive the MEAP grant, and the applicant’s name must be on the gas bill to qualify. You do not need a turn-off notice to be eligible.
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Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP): EUSP is a grant to help pay for your electricity bill that you can apply for every year. For most people, this grant does not renew automatically, and you will need to resubmit an annual application. You do not need a turn-off notice to apply, and the bill does not have to be in the applicant’s name.
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Arrearage Retirement Assistance (ARA): ARA is a grant of up to $2,000 to help pay down past-due electric bill charges. You must have a past-due bill of at least $300 and can only apply for this grant once every five years, though certain waivers to this rule apply. You must receive the EUSP grant, and the applicant’s name must be on the electric bill to qualify. You do not need a turn-off notice to be eligible.
If you want to learn more about how to apply for OHEP or about other resources to get caught up with your gas and electric bill, check out our website.
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Do you have a medical condition that would be aggravated by the loss of power to your home? You might qualify for a Medical Certification form. Learn how to get the form, how to fill it out, and how to start getting the benefits of having it on file with your utility company.
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The Department of Disabilities, Assistive Technology Program is having a month-long financial resiliency webinar series focused on knowledge-building, resources, and services for people with disabilities.
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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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