Get Help Paying Your Utility Bill

The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) makes energy costs more affordable, prevents the loss of home energy service and helps restore interrupted service. As of October 2023, OHEP has increased the income guidelines for two of their four grants. 

There are various types of assistance programs available to customers:

• If you need help paying heating bills: You may qualify for the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). Apply for all utility assistance programs HERE.
  • MEAP income-guidelines have increased. 
  • This program helps eligible families with the cost of heating.
  • You can apply every year (July 1 – June 30).
  • The account does not need to be in the applicants name (someone else may apply on behalf of the account holder.)
  • Payments are made to the fuel supplier and utility company on the customer’s behalf.
  • You do not need a turn-off notice to apply, and the bill does not have to be in the applicant’s name.
  • For most people, this grant does not renew automatically, and you will need to resubmit an annual application.
• If you are in danger of having your utility turned off:  You may qualify for the Utility Service Protection Program (USPP). Apply for all utility assistance programs HERE.
  • This program is available to ALL MEAP participants (see above).
  • The USPP provides a consistent monthly payment and protects from service disconnection.
  • To participate in USPP, recipients will receive consistent, year round billing.
• If you need help paying electricity bills: You may qualify for the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP). Apply for all utility assistance programs HERE.
  • This program helps low-income electric customers pay their electric bills.
  • You can apply every year (July 1 – June 30).
  • EUSP payments cover a portion of recipients current electric bills.
  • Account must be in the applicant’s name and if you receive EUSP, you will be placed on a budget billing plan with their electricity company.
  • For most people, this grant does not renew automatically, and you will need to resubmit an annual application.
• If you need help paying overdue electric bills: You may qualify for the Arrearage Retirement Assistance (ARA).  Apply for all utility assistance programs HERE.
  • This program helps customers with large, past due electric bills.
  • Applicant must receive MEAP grant to be eligible (see above) and have a past-due electric balance of $300 or greater.
  • You do not need a turn-off notice to be eligible.
  • Applicant may receive a grant amount up to $2000 paid directly to their energy utility company.
  • You may apply for this grant once every five years, with certain exceptions to this rule that may apply.
• If you need help paying overdue gas bills: You may qualify for the Gas Arrearage Retirement Assistance (GARA). Apply for all utility assistance programs HERE.
  • GARA income-guidelines have increased.
  • This program helps customers with large, past due gas bills.
  • Applicant must receive MEAP grant to be eligible (see above) and have a past-due electric balance of at least $300 or greater.
  • Account must be in the applicant’s name.
  • Applicant may receive a grant amount up to $2000 paid directly to their energy utility company.
  • You may apply for this grant once every five years, with certain waivers to this rule that may apply.
• 55 Day Hold 
  • Customers may be eligible for a 55-day hold on their electric and heating accounts. In order to qualify, customers must apply within 14 days of the date on their termination notice.
  • Customers may only receive one 55-day hold per program year.
  • Customers may not receive a 55-day hold on approved application.
  • The 55-day hold may be terminated if the customer is determined ineligible for OHEP or does not complete the application requirements.

Apply for all utility assistance programs HERE.

• By phone, 240-777-4450 (Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).
• Download it in English or Spanish.
• Pick up, mail or deliver completed applications to Office of Home Energy. Programs, 1301 Piccard Drive, 1st Floor, Rockville, MD 20850
• Document drop-off boxes are also located at each of Montgomery County’s  housing stabilization offices.
  • They are open for walk ins: Lobby hours M- F 8:30- 4:30.