Maryland Utility Relief Programs: A Guide to Energy Assistance for FY 2026

Reliable energy is a necessity for health and safety, not just a modern convenience. For many Maryland residents, volatile energy markets and economic pressures make paying utility bills a monthly struggle. To combat this "heat or eat" dilemma, Maryland has established a robust network of safety nets.

This guide provides an in-depth look at Maryland Utility Relief Programs for Fiscal Year 2026. It covers state-administered grants, legal protections against shut-offs, and charitable funds offered by utility companies. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, understanding these resources is the first step toward long-term energy security.

The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP)

The core of Maryland's energy assistance is the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). Situated within the Department of Human Services, OHEP manages the distribution of federal and state funds.

The state utilizes a "one-stop" application process. A single application allows you to apply for multiple grants simultaneously, reducing the need for redundant paperwork. If you receive benefits like SNAP or SSI, you may also be "categorically eligible," which streamlines the verification process significantly.

Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)

MEAP is funded by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and focuses on heating costs.

• Fuel Neutrality: MEAP helps pay for any heating source, including electricity, natural gas, heating oil, propane, wood, or kerosene.
• Vendor Payments: Grants are typically sent directly to your fuel supplier or utility company.
• Crisis Assistance: Expedited grants are available if you are facing an immediate loss of heat, such as a broken furnace or an empty oil tank.

Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)

EUSP is funded by Maryland ratepayers and is designed specifically to make electric bills more affordable.

• Bill Payment Assistance: This grant pays a portion of your current electric bill to lower your monthly costs.
• Budget Billing: Recipients are often required to enroll in Budget Billing. This spreads your annual usage into equal monthly payments, preventing massive spikes during summer and winter.

Arrearage Retirement Assistance (ARA)

If you have fallen behind on bills, ARA provides a "fresh start" by paying off past-due balances.

• Debt Forgiveness: You may be eligible for up to $2,000 toward past-due electric bills and $2,000 toward past-due gas bills.
• The Five-Year Rule: generally, you can only receive this benefit once every five years.
• Exceptions: Waivers exist for certain vulnerable populations or specific emergency periods, so it is always worth asking a caseworker about your status.

Crisis Prevention and Service Protections

Beyond financial grants, Maryland law provides regulatory shields to stop service terminations. These rules ensure that disconnecting power is a measure of last resort.

Utility Service Protection Program (USPP)

The USPP protects low-income families from turn-offs during the heating season (November 1 through March 31).

• Protection: As long as you make your minimum scheduled payment under the USPP agreement, your service cannot be terminated during winter.
• Reconnection: If your service is currently off, enrolling in USPP can help restore power without requiring the full payment of your past-due balance.
• Fees: Participants are typically exempt from security deposits and reconnection fees.

Weather-Based Termination Restrictions

Utilities are prohibited from shutting off service during extreme weather conditions to prevent health risks.

• Winter Rule: Service cannot be terminated if the forecast temperature is 32°F or below.
• Summer Rule: Electric service cannot be terminated if the forecast temperature is 95°F or above.
• Safety Affidavit: During winter months, a utility must file a sworn affidavit verifying that disconnection will not threaten the life or health of occupants before they can cut service.

Medical Certifications

If someone in your home has a serious illness or requires life-support equipment, you have specific legal rights.

• 30-Day Hold: A Medical Certification Form (PSC-801) signed by a doctor or nurse practitioner halts termination for 30 days.
• Payment Plans: This is not a permanent waiver of your bill. You must enter into a payment arrangement during this 30-day window to maintain service.
• Renewal: Certifications can be renewed if the condition persists and you adhere to the payment plan.

Income Eligibility for FY 2026

Eligibility for OHEP grants is based on household size and gross monthly income (before taxes). Maryland generally uses 200% of the Federal Poverty Level or 60% of the State Median Income, whichever is higher.

Estimated Monthly Income Limits (FY 2026):

• 1 Person: ~$2,608
• 2 People: ~$3,525
• 3 People: ~$4,441
• 4 People: ~$5,358
• 5 People: ~$6,275
• 6 People: ~$7,191

Note: For households larger than 6, add roughly $917 for each additional person. These figures are estimates based on state median income data and subject to final DHS confirmation.

Required Documentation Checklist

A complete application requires specific documents. Missing a single item can delay your benefits by weeks. Ensure you have the following ready:

1. Identity: Government-issued photo ID for the applicant (Driver’s License, Passport, etc.).
2. Social Security: Social Security cards or verification for every household member.
3. Residency: A current lease, deed, or property tax bill. If you rent a room, a "Landlord Agreement" form may be required.
4. Income: Proof of gross income for the last 30 days for all household members (pay stubs, award letters, pension statements).
5. Utility Bills: Copies of your most recent electric and heating fuel bills.

Utility-Specific and Charitable Funds

When state aid is not enough, local utilities and nonprofits offer "gap funding." Note that some special relief funds are temporary and may open or close based on funding availability.

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE)

• Fuel Fund of Maryland: An independent nonprofit that helps BGE customers who have exhausted OHEP benefits. It often uses a "Power of Two" model where the fund matches your payments to reduce debt.
• Customer Relief Fund: BGE occasionally operates a Customer Relief Fund for limited-income households. Update: As of late 2025, the specific "Customer Relief Fund" funded by Exelon may be closed to new applicants. Always check bge.com or fuelfundmaryland.org for the current status of these one-time initiatives.

Pepco and Delmarva Power

• Good Neighbor Energy Fund: A charitable fund matched by shareholders to help customers facing temporary crises.
• Pepco/Delmarva Customer Relief Funds: Similar to BGE, these utilities launched relief funds for moderate-income households (up to 400% of Federal Poverty Level). Check the utility website immediately to see if funds are still available for the current season.

Washington Gas

• Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF): Administered by the Salvation Army, WAFF is unique because it is fuel-neutral. It helps pay for coal, wood, oil, or gas heating.
• Application Window: WAFF typically opens for applications in January. For the 2026 season, applications are expected to open on January 20, 2026.

Long-Term Solutions: Weatherization

Bill assistance acts as a temporary fix, but energy efficiency provides a permanent solution. Maryland offers programs to improve your home's physical structure to reduce energy waste.

• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): This federal program provides deep retrofits like insulation, air sealing, and furnace repair at no cost to the homeowner or tenant.
• EmPOWER Maryland (LIEEP): Funded by utility surcharges, this program offers similar no-cost upgrades. If you are eligible for OHEP assistance, you are typically automatically referred to EmPOWER programs.
• Health Benefits: Beyond lower bills, these upgrades improve indoor air quality and reduce triggers for asthma and other respiratory issues.

By combining OHEP grants with weatherization and utility-specific funds, Maryland households can build a comprehensive strategy to maintain safe and affordable energy service throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions