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Connecting Prince George’s County Residents to Energy Assistance Programs

 

Pepco recently partnered with the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services to host an Energy Assistance Day at our Customer Service Center in Upper Marlboro, Md. to provide information and assistance to customers experiencing difficulties paying their energy bills. Our Customer Advocate team helped customers manager their bills by providing information on flexible payment options, budget billing, and assistance programs for which they may qualify.

Pepco is committed to ensuring our customers have the ability to heat and cool their homes during difficult times. You may be eligible for several energy assistance programs and emergency funds.

Pepco reminds customers of important energy assistance available in the District of Columbia and Maryland to help meet their energy needs. With hundreds of thousands of people impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown, Pepco is taking steps to expand awareness of the programs in place to help customers stay energized through temporary or extended financial hardship.

“We are committed to providing affordable energy service for every customer,” said Dave Velazquez, president and CEO of Pepco Holdings. “Through our own programs, as well as programs offered by community and government partners, we can help every customer make ends meet during tough times.”

Pepco works closely with state, federal, and nonprofit partners to ensure they have the information and support they need to help customers manage their energy expenses during times of hardship.

“We are here for our customers and our nonprofit community partners and we will consider additional support as necessary,” added Velazquez.

Pepco works closely with its community partners to connect customers with grants and programs like LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP provides grants in varying amounts based on a household’s income size, type of fuel, and type of dwelling, with no pay back required. District residents can apply for assistance online though the Department of Energy and the Environment website or by calling 3-1-1. Maryland customers can apply for LIHEAP energy assistance through the Department of Human Services website, by visiting a Local Energy Assistance Office, or by calling the Maryland Department of Human Services Office of Home Energy Programs at 1-800-332-6347.

Other programs supporting District customers include:

• The Utility Discount Program (UDP) assists low-income District residents reduce their utility costs.  Eligible customers may receive a discount of up to $475 per year on their electric bill ($300 per year if non-electric heat).  District residents can visit the Department of Energy and the Environment website at doee.dc.gov to apply online or calling 3-1-1 to schedule an in-person appointment.

• The Greater Washington Urban League provides up to $500 in assistance to eligible customers facing disconnection. Customers can call 202-265-8200 or visit www.gwul.org.

Other programs supporting Maryland customers include:

• The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) helps eligible customers pay for a portion of their current electric bill. The Arrearage Retirement Assistance (ARA) program helps customers with large, past due electric and gas bills. If eligible, customers may receive forgiveness of up to $2,000 towards their past due bill. The Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) is designed to help low-income families during the heating season. Information regarding these programs can be found on the Maryland Department of Human Services Office of Home Energy Programs website or by calling 1-800-332-6347.

•Prince George’s County residents may qualify for energy assistance from Mary’s Center by calling 202-545-2024.

•Income eligible Montgomery County residents can receive energy assistance from Interfaith Works by calling 301-762-8682.

Pepco customers with a disconnection notice or who currently have service disconnected can receive a grant up to $1,000 once a year through the Pepco Washington Area Fuel Fund Partnership administered by the Salvation Army. Customers in the District of Columbia (wards 1-6) call 202-332-5000 or (wards 7-8) call 202-678-9771. Prince George’s County residents can call 301-277-6103 and Montgomery County residents can call 301-515-5354 for assistance.

Through Pepco’s Gift of Energy program, anyone can make a payment towards a friend or family member’s energy bill. The gift will appear on a future bill as a credit to the recipient’s account.

Pepco will work with customers who may have difficulty paying their energy bill. The company offers payment options, like Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period to help customers manage their monthly energy bill, or flexible payment arrangements that offer individually tailored payment installment plans.

Customers can contact Pepco Customer Care at 202-833-7500 to ask about available resources or register for My Account, a web-based interactive tool that provides customers with a detailed analysis of their specific electric use and offers ways to save money and energy.