Low Income Energy Assistance

Energy bills can get out of hand, and sometimes residents fall behind. Thankfully, there are programs to help reduce these high costs and keep the heat and lights on.

Many of the assistance programs listed below use the same application materials, so eligibility for multiple programs can be determined by completing one set of forms. The forms can be obtained by:

• Downloading them online from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services;
• Calling 311; or
• Picking them up directly from the Office of Home Energy Programs, located at 1301 Piccard Drive, 4th floor, Rockville, MD 20850.

   

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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

The Maryland  Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offers a number of energy and weatherization assistance programs for Maryland residents:

• EmPOWER Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP) helps low income households with installation of energy conservation materials in their homes at no charge. These improvements will both reduce a household’s energy use and lower the monthly utility bills, and will also make occupants more comfortable and may improve the air quality and overall health of the family.
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps eligible low income households with the installation of energy conservation materials in their dwelling units. These measures both reduce the consumption of energy and the cost of maintenance for these homes.

Maryland's Office of Home Energy Programs

Maryland’s Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) helps Maryland’s hard working families pay their utility bills, minimize heating crises, and make energy costs more affordable. 

• Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) provides assistance with home heating bills. Limited assistance is available to replace broken or inefficient furnaces.
• Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) assists eligible low-income electricity customers with their electric bills. Assistance is available regardless of whether you are an active customer or you are currently without service.
• Arrearage Retirement Assistance helps customers that have a large, past due electric bill, in addition to the electric and heating bill payment benefits. Customers may only receive an arrearage grant once every seven years, with certain exceptions