[Last updated 12/02/2025]
Low-Income Energy Programs
Federal | State | Utility | Charitable
FEDERAL
LIHEAP Contact
Public Inquiries: 1-800-332-6347
Website
Online Application
https://mymdthink.maryland.gov
LIHEAP Administering Agency Contacts
Local Administering Agency Contacts
Weatherization Assistance Program
Local Administering Agency Contacts
Website
LIHEAP FY 2026 Funding
$76,029,607
*including additional $2,465,280 from Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA), (Pub. L. 117-58)
LIHEAP Income Eligibility Level
Heating, Crisis, Weatherization:
1 person household = 39% SMI
2 person household = 40% SMI
3 person household = 41% SMI
4 person household = 41.70% SMI
5 person household = 42% SMI
6 person household = 42.40% SMI
7 person household = 46% SMI
8 person household = 50.90% SMI
9 person household = 54.89% SMI
10 person household = 58.70% SMI|
11+ person household = 60% SMI
LIHEAP FY 2026 Benefit
Heating: $25 minimum, $1,100 maximum
Crisis: $600
LIHEAP Households Served in FY 2024
Heating: 94,205
Year-round Crisis: 4,400
LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: year-round
Winter Crisis: November 1- March 31
Crisis: Year-round
Weatherization: year-round
State/Local
Low-Income Rate Assistance
Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
Authorized through restructuring legislation, the EUSP includes current electric bill assistance, retirement of certain old bills, and weatherization services. Its funding of $34 million per year continues but is subject to annual review and approval by the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) and the legislature. Eligibility: electricity customers with incomes at or below 150% FPL. Eligible customers may receive both EUSP and LIHEAP.
1-800-352-1446 1-800-925-4434 (TTY)
Universal Service Protection Program (USPP)
Available to LIHEAP recipients, USPP reduces and evens out monthly utility payments by subtracting the amount of the LIHEAP benefit from a customer's yearly bill and dividing the remainder by twelve months. Those who keep on payment plans are eligible for credits from some utilities
St. Mary and Prince George Counties
Local energy tax dollars are given in a rebate to low-income households in two counties. In St. Mary's County, a payment of $55 is sent to MEAP households. In Prince George's County, the MEAP grant is $72 per household.
Utility
Low-Income Rate Assistance
The largest utility, Baltimore Gas and Electric, and many smaller utilities offer deposit, reconnect fee and application fee waivers to qualifying customers.
Washington Gas Light Company
Residential Essential Service (RES)
MEAP-eligible residents who use natural gas for home heating and who are current on their utility bills may be eligible to receive discounts on a portion of their Washington Gas bills during the winter heating season.
1-800-352-1446.
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
Columbia Gas
WarmWise Low Income Useage Reduction Program (LIURP)
This weatherization program helps seal areas where heat escapes. It helps income-eligible customers who have high gas usage reduce how much energy they use.
1-800-537-7431
Baltimore Gas and Electric
EmPOWER Maryland Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP)
Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is now administering The EmPOWER Maryland Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP).This program helps qualified customers with the installation of energy conservation materials.
Emergency Charitable Assistance
Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
Fuel Fund of Maryland, Inc.
The Fuel Fund also helps customers that use oil or other fuel sources. FFCM is an umbrella organization comprised of local fuel funds in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties.
Chesapeake Utilities
Sharing Program
The Sharing Program assists elderly, disabled or fixed income households with winter heating costs.
Columbia Gas
- Dollar Energy Fund Hardship Program
Eligible Customers, at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, receive a one-time grant applied directly to their bill.
Applicants should contact their local community action agency. - HeatShare
Provides energy grants to customers for use in offsetting arrears or restoring service to terminated utility accounts. The fund is designed for customers with low incomes who have exhausted all other available energy assistance programs.
1-800-537-7431
Delmarva Power
Customer Relief Fund
Fund will provide eligible Delmarva Power customers relief int the form of up to $300. The fund is designed to support limited- to moderate-income customers
Southern Maryland Electric Coop
Members Helping Members
Funded by the Southern Maryland Electric Company's Project Match, private donations and fund-raisers. The Fuel Fund provides assistance with electric, wood and fuel oil and serves 3 counties. Grants from this fund are given to an applicant who has received a utility termination notice and has applied for MEAP.
Washington Gas
Washington Area Fuel Fund
The Washington Area Fuel Fund, operated by the Salvation Army, aids customers who need assistance paying their home heating bills. Contact the Salvation Army for assistance.
