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Become an energy assistance expert
The Office of People's Counsel will be offering two short webinars on how to get help with your energy bills during the month of January. The Director of the Office of Home Energy Programs will be co-hosting these sessions, so don't miss out on this opportunity.
Sign up for one or both of these webinars.
Keep Your Lights On!
January 16, Noon
January 23, 6 p.m.
Keep your lights on! Learn what to do if you fall behind on your utility bill. We will talk about how to lower and get help paying your gas and electric bill in 3 steps and give you tips on how to prevent a termination during these colder months.
Deep Dive Into OHEP
January 18, Noon
Join OPC and the Director of the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) for a deep dive into the OHEP energy assistance application. Together, we will review the application and documents you will need to turn in a successful application the first time. If you help people fill out energy applications, this is the session for you!
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With the nation's tax season rapidly approaching, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers there are important steps they can take now to help "get ready" to file their 2023 federal tax return.
A little advance work now can help people have the paperwork and information ready to file their tax returns quickly and accurately. As part of this education effort, the IRS has a special page outlining items taxpayers can look into now to get ready to file their 2023 tax returns.
Read how the IRS encourages you to “get ready” to file your 2023 tax return.
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In 2022, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Climate Solutions Now Act, establishing the most ambitious Green House Gas (GHG) reduction goals of any U.S. state. Maryland is now required to reduce statewide GHG emissions 60% from 2006 levels by 2031 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 while creating jobs and net economic benefits.
The Maryland Department of the Environment just recently released a report, The Climate Pollution Reduction Plan, which outlines how Maryland can meet these goals. The policies in the plan, if fully implemented, are projected to achieve the 2031 goal and put Maryland on a path to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. The policies will nearly put an end to the fossil fuel era and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. In turn, the state will experience improved air quality, health, wealth, and the prospect of keeping our planet habitable for future generations.
Read the Climate Pollution Reduction Plan.
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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.
The Office of Home Energy Programs in partnership with the Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition put together an insider's guide on how to submit an energy assistance application completely and correctly.
Check out The Insider's Guide to Applying for Home Energy Assistance.
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Beginning November 20, 2023, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Before you throw out "expired" tests, you should check the FDA's website to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.
Check expiration dates.
Order your free COVID-19 tests.
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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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