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Energy Assistance & Low-Income Water Assistance Programs

The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) provides financial assistance to Maryland’s low-income households to help you stay warm, stay connected, and help pay past-due energy bills. Energy Assistance is a year-round program. 

You can apply at any time during the year, but you can only receive benefits once each year and must reapply each fiscal year (July- June). The Office of Home Energy Programs strongly encourages you to apply for assistance before you receive a turn-off notice so that funds can be applied to your account as soon as possible. All OHEP program eligibility is income-based, and you do not need a turn-off notice to qualify for assistance.

Energy & Water Assistance Programs

The Energy & Water Assistance Programs include: 

  • Maryland Energy Assistance Proogram
  • Electric Universal Service Program
  • Arrearage Retirement Assistance
  • Utility Service Protection Program
  • Low Income Household Water Assistance Program

Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)

Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)  provides financial assistance with home heating bills. Payments are made to the fuel supplier and utility company on the customer’s behalf.

Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)

The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) provides financial assistance with electric bills. Eligible customers receive help that pays a portion of their current electric bills. Customers who receive EUSP are placed on a budget billing plan with their utility company. Budget Billing is a tool that utility companies provide to help spread out year-annual utility bills into even monthly payments to avoid spikes in your bill caused by seasonal fluctuations in energy use. Please check with your utility company on eligibility requirements and budget billing policy.

Arrearage Retirement Assistance

Arrearage Retirement Assistance helps customers with large, past-due electric and gas bills. If eligible, customers may receive a grant for up to $2,000 towards their past due bill. Customers must have a past-due bill of $300 or greater to be considered eligible. Customers may only receive an arrearage grant once every five years, with certain exceptions. Arrearage grants received between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, will not count towards the five-year limitation.

Utility Service Protection Program (USPP)

The Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) is designed to protect low-income families from utility turn-offs during the heating season. All MEAP-eligible customers may participate in USPP. Participation also requires a year-round even monthly budget billing. Failure to make consecutive payments may result in removal from USPP.

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is an emergency water assistance program to assist families experiencing hardship with their water bills. LIHWAP will assist Maryland families who are behind on their drinking water and wastewater bills focusing on accounts that are 30 days or more past due.

How Do I Apply For Assistance?

Online

You can apply for assistance online 24/7.

By Email

To apply by email, send a completed application with all required supporting documentation to pgcdss.energy@maryland.gov

By Mail or Fax

To apply by Mail or Fax, send a completed application (PDF) with all required supporting documentation to:
Fax: 301-909-6331
Mail: Prince George’s County Department of Social Services, Office of Home Energy Programs, 
805 Brightseat Road, Landover, Maryland 20785

What's my application status?

You can check the status of an application in progress online anytime.  

Individuals and families in need of in-person or other special accommodations may visit the MEAP office at 425 Brightseat Road, Landover, MD 20785 or contact us by phone at 301-909-6300.