Comprehensive Guide to Utility Assistance Programs in Maryland
Maryland residents have access to a wide array of utility assistance programs that help low-income households pay their energy, water, and utility bills while promoting long-term energy efficiency. This guide covers all major assistance programs in Maryland, including those offered by the state, federal government, utility providers, and local nonprofits. It is especially helpful for families, seniors, people with disabilities, and those facing financial emergencies or shutoff notices.
1. Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), funded through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), helps low-income households with their home heating bills. MEAP provides a one-time payment directly to the utility supplier or fuel vendor. The amount of assistance is based on household income, fuel type, and energy usage. MEAP also offers emergency assistance for households facing service disconnection or who have already had their utility service terminated.
Applicants must meet income eligibility guidelines and provide documentation including identification, proof of residence, income verification, and utility bills. Households receiving Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), SNAP, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or other assistance may be automatically eligible. MEAP is administered through the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) and applied for through the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). Applications are accepted year-round, but early application during the fall and winter months is encouraged to ensure timely benefits before the heating season.
2. Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) provides year-round help with electric bills. It offers three main benefits: bill assistance, arrearage retirement (debt forgiveness), and energy efficiency education. Eligible customers receive monthly credits based on their actual usage and income level, ensuring affordability of ongoing electricity service. Those with past-due bills may qualify for forgiveness of up to $2,000 in arrears once every five years.
Participation in EUSP also includes mandatory participation in energy education and budgeting programs. The EUSP works in tandem with MEAP and can be applied for using the same OHEP application. Households enrolled in both programs receive enhanced support, and funds are paid directly to electric companies on behalf of the customer.
3. Arrearage Retirement Assistance
Maryland's arrearage retirement benefit helps low-income households eliminate large past-due utility balances. Eligible households may receive up to $2,000 in forgiveness of unpaid electric bills. This benefit can be accessed once every five years and is intended to provide long-term relief for families unable to catch up on growing energy debt.
To qualify, customers must demonstrate financial hardship and be active participants in either the MEAP or EUSP programs. This benefit is especially important for households at risk of disconnection or those already disconnected. The program plays a crucial role in restoring utility service and creating a clean slate for struggling families. Applicants are encouraged to work with local OHEP offices to explore eligibility and ensure all documentation is properly submitted.
4. Utility Service Protection Program (USPP)
USPP is a unique shutoff prevention initiative offered through Maryland’s energy assistance framework. It is designed to protect vulnerable households from having their utility service disconnected during the winter months, from November 1 through March 31. Customers enrolled in MEAP are automatically eligible for USPP and are placed on a budget billing plan that spreads annual utility costs evenly across 12 months. This helps reduce seasonal spikes in heating bills.
Utility companies must honor the protections of USPP as long as the customer remains in good standing on their payment agreement. Households that default may be removed from the program but can be reinstated upon resolving their account. The program emphasizes stable monthly payments and long-term financial planning, particularly for households with seniors, children, or medical vulnerabilities.
5. Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
Maryland participates in the federally funded LIHWAP to help eligible households pay water and wastewater bills. The program provides one-time payments to restore disconnected service, prevent disconnection, and pay past-due balances. LIHWAP is administered through the same local offices as MEAP and EUSP, making it accessible through a unified application process.
Applicants must provide proof of income, utility bills, and may need to demonstrate imminent disconnection. Water assistance is available statewide, although program delivery may vary by jurisdiction depending on water utility partnerships. The maximum benefit amount may vary, but it is typically sufficient to resolve a shutoff notice or pay a substantial portion of a water arrearage. LIHWAP is especially critical in maintaining public health and sanitation for low-income households.
6. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Maryland WAP helps reduce long-term energy costs by improving the energy efficiency of homes. Services may include insulation, air sealing, furnace replacement, water heater upgrades, and energy-efficient lighting. The program begins with a comprehensive home energy audit conducted by certified professionals. Based on the results, weatherization measures are installed at no cost to the household.
Priority is given to homes with seniors, young children, or individuals with disabilities. WAP improves indoor comfort, reduces energy bills, and addresses safety concerns like carbon monoxide risks and ventilation. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) oversees the WAP program and works through local agencies to provide services across the state. Households do not need to be homeowners—renters are eligible with landlord approval.
7. EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Programs
EmPOWER Maryland is a statewide initiative that includes utility-sponsored programs to help customers reduce energy use and lower bills. EmPOWER programs include free energy audits, LED lighting upgrades, efficient appliance rebates, HVAC system replacement, and home insulation services. The program is available to both low- and moderate-income households and often overlaps with WAP.
Utilities such as BGE, Pepco, Delmarva Power, and Potomac Edison participate in EmPOWER Maryland and offer tailored services to income-eligible customers. Customers may receive thousands of dollars in free or subsidized upgrades. Many utilities also offer enhanced education, online usage tools, and behavioral programs to promote long-term savings. EmPOWER Maryland is one of the most comprehensive utility efficiency programs in the nation and has helped thousands of Maryland families reduce energy waste.
8. Utility-Specific Assistance Programs
In addition to statewide benefits, many Maryland utilities offer their own customer assistance programs (CAPs). These programs may provide flexible payment plans, arrears forgiveness, special discounts, or crisis grants. Examples include:
- BGE Smart Energy Savers Program: Offers income-qualified customers no-cost home energy assessments, insulation, HVAC upgrades, and energy-saving kits.
- Pepco’s Energy Assistance Program: Provides flexible billing and arrears support. Also offers appliance replacement and education services through EmPOWER.
- Washington Gas CAP: Offers percentage-of-income payment plans, arrearage forgiveness, and payment deferment options.
Customers should contact their utility provider directly or check the utility’s website to explore eligibility and enrollment. Many CAPs require enrollment in MEAP or EUSP and may provide automatic enrollment into related programs.
9. Community Solar Programs in Maryland
Maryland’s Community Solar Pilot Program allows residents—including renters and those without suitable rooftops—to subscribe to a local solar project and receive credits on their electric bill. These subscriptions can lower monthly utility costs by 10% to 25% depending on the project. The program prioritizes low- and moderate-income (LMI) residents and often provides guaranteed savings with no enrollment fees or credit checks.
Dozens of community solar projects are currently active or enrolling across Maryland. Residents can browse available projects on platforms like EnergySage or through utility and developer websites. Many LMI subscribers also receive support from community outreach partners who help guide them through the enrollment process. Community solar is an important part of Maryland’s clean energy strategy, offering equitable access to solar power and ongoing monthly savings.
10. Shutoff Protections and Medical Certification
Maryland law requires utility providers to offer shutoff protections to eligible households. This includes a 45-day notice before termination, winter shutoff moratoriums, and the opportunity to enter payment agreements. Customers can also provide a Medical Certification—signed by a licensed healthcare provider—to prevent disconnection due to health risks.
The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) enforces consumer protections and mediates complaints. Tenants whose utilities are included in rent have additional rights if landlords fail to maintain service. Shutoff protections are especially robust during the winter and during extreme weather alerts. Customers experiencing hardship should contact both their utility and local OHEP office to coordinate assistance and preserve their service.
11. Senior and Disability Assistance
Maryland offers special utility assistance provisions for seniors and people with disabilities. These include automatic eligibility for MEAP and EUSP in some cases, access to the DHCD's Accessibility Retrofit Program, and priority placement for WAP and EmPOWER upgrades. Seniors can also receive utility application help through aging service offices, senior centers, and community nonprofits.
Individuals with disabilities may qualify for enhanced protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which includes service protections and accommodations when interacting with utilities. Caseworkers at agencies like the Maryland Department of Disabilities can help coordinate benefits. Medical certification protections also shield these populations from dangerous utility interruptions.
12. Nonprofit and Caseworker Support
Nonprofit organizations in Maryland provide a critical support system for residents applying for and managing utility assistance. Groups like the Fuel Fund of Maryland, United Way, and Catholic Charities offer emergency grants, application help, case management, and referrals. Many local Community Action Agencies also administer MEAP and EUSP applications on behalf of DHS.
Residents facing complex barriers—such as language access, lack of internet, or homelessness—can work with nonprofits to ensure successful applications. These agencies often have flexible emergency funds and help navigate documentation requirements. Maryland 211 is a free referral line that connects callers to local programs statewide.
13. How to Apply
To apply for most Maryland utility assistance programs, residents should use the myMDTHINK portal. The portal handles applications for MEAP, EUSP, and LIHWAP. Users must create an account, upload documentation, and select programs for which they wish to apply. Applications can also be submitted in person at a local OHEP office.
Documentation typically includes ID, proof of income, utility bills, lease or mortgage information, and in some cases, proof of hardship or disconnection. Assistance is available in multiple languages, and many counties operate dedicated energy offices to support applicants. Seniors and those without computer access can request paper applications or in-home visits where available. Prompt application is encouraged, especially during peak heating and cooling seasons.
Maryland’s broad network of utility assistance programs ensures that no household has to face utility insecurity alone. With coordinated efforts between state agencies, utilities, nonprofits, and local governments, these programs protect health, promote energy efficiency, and deliver real savings to Maryland’s most vulnerable residents.