Get Help With Your Bill

Find out how much you owe: If you're behind on your bill, calling your utility company may seem intimidating, but it’s the best place to start. Explain your situation and ask them how much you owe. Make sure the amount is correct.

Ask about financial assistance programs: When you are speaking to your utility company, ask them about any financial assistance programs that might be available to you to help pay your bill.

If you have a turn-off notice: If you have a turn-off notice, you may consider requesting an extension. An extension is not guaranteed as the utility will take several factors into consideration.

Advise the utility of medical issues: Let the utility know If anyone in the home has a serious illness or uses medical equipment that would be impacted by loss of service. There are extra protections in place for households who have a Medical Certification Form on file with their utility company. Learn more about the Medical Certification Form here. 

Negotiate a payment plan: The utility can look at a number of things when deciding whether to grant your payment plan request. The best way to negotiate a payment plan is to provide specific reasons for any past-due bills. Be prepared to explain your current income situation and offer solutions on how you might catch up with your payments. The utility company will likely ask for a down payment in order for you to enter into a payment plan. Be sure to write down who you spoke with, the date, and the time. 

Self-service options: If you prefer to go online instead of calling your utility, many utilities have self-service options available. You may be able to set up a payment plan, check your bill amount, and request an extension online depending on the utility company. Check out your utility company's website to learn more about available online options.

Pay what you can: Pay something every month, even if it isn’t the full amount. Make an effort to stay on top of the utility bill.

Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP): If you are struggling to pay your utility bill there is help available. You may consider applying for financial assistance from OHEP. OHEP is a state-run program that helps income-eligible households pay their energy and fuel bills. You do not need a turn-off notice to apply. When you fill out the OHEP application you are applying for four grants and for free weatherization for your home to help lower your monthly costs.

There are several ways to apply to OHEP. 

1. Apply online to energy assistance. 
2. Drop off or mail your completed application with all documents to your local OHEP office. Find the address to your local OHEP office here. For a fillable application, click here.
3. Email your completed application with all documents to your local OHEP office. Find the email address to your local OHEP office here. For an fillable application, click here.

Tips for applying to OHEP: 

1. Watch the video below first.
2. Consider a paper application and drop it off at your local OHEP office, especially if you have a turn-off notice. 
3. Make copies of all of your documents before you drop off your application to your local OHEP office.
4. If you have a turn-off notice, we suggest you walk into your local OHEP office for help. Make sure that you get a 55-day hold. 

When you are applying for OHEP, consider checking the box for the USPP Program. USPP stands for the Utility Service Protection Program. USPP is a utility program required by the Public Service Commission. You can enroll in this program when you apply to the Office of Home Energy Programs for financial assistance and receive the Maryland Energy Assistance grant. If you enroll in the USPP Program:

• You are enrolled in budget billing.
• If you are off service, there is no reconnection fee or security deposit if you make the designated payment for outstanding arrearages.
• First-time USPP applicants who are off service must be reconnected if arrears are reduced to $400.
• Current participants who are off service must pay an amount that reduces arrears to $400 or the total outstanding monthly payments, whichever is greater.

Before you start your OHEP application, watch this short video for tips on how to apply and get it right the first time.

Haven't heard from OHEP? Check the status of your application at www.myohepstatus.org. The status of your application should appear on this website 15-20 business days after OHEP receives your application. You will need to enter the last name of the applicant, have the last 4 digits of their social security number, and have their date of birth in order to look up the status. Once you log in, the website will give you information about where your application is in the process, if you have been awarded grants, or if there is an issue with your application.

If you do not see an updated status on this website, call and email your local OHEP and request a status update. Keep checking your mail, email, and voicemail for information from OHEP. They will attempt to connect with you if there is any issue with your application. Click here for contact information to your local office. 

Look for other funding

• Fuel Fund: For those who need help with their energy bills and have already used OHEP or are over income for OHEP, Fuel Fund may be another option. The Fuel Fund of Maryland assists eligible BGE customers with paying their utility bills. For more information about the Fuel Fund or to apply for help, visit the Fuel Fund's website to fill out an application or call 410-235-9080 for assistance.
• 211: 211MD is a 24/7/365 helpline that provides information and referrals to other financial assistance resources in your area. You can contact them in three ways:
  • Dial 2-1-1 or 800-685-0185
  • Search for resources online at www.211md.org
  • Email them at info@211md.org