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BGE Reminds Customers about Bill Assistance Programs as High Heat Drives Increased Usage and Higher Bills  

Posted on: August 17, 2022 - 4:21pm
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BALTIMORE, MD (August 10, 2022) – Customers who may need help with their energy bill should contact BGE as soon as possible to identify state and other funding that may be available to help customers meet their energy needs. Customers can also visit www.bge.com/billhelp to learn more. 

“We are here for our customers and want to help them take advantage of energy assistance if they need help with their bills,” said Denise Galambos, BGE’s senior vice president and chief customer officer. “We encourage our customers to contact us so we can help them understand their energy usage and how it impacts their bill, and also connect anyone who is eligible to support programs that could help them manage their energy costs.” 

BGE Programs and Offerings 

  BGE will work with customers having difficulty paying their energy bill by helping enroll customers into available payment options. Visit www.bge.com/billhelp to learn more about: 

  • Flexible payment arrangements that offer tailored payment plans 
  • Extending payment periods for balances 
  • Connecting customers with energy assistance funds 

Customers can contact BGE at 1-800-685-0123 to discuss payment arrangements. The company also offers energy efficiency programs and energy saving information to help customers reduce their energy usage at www.bge.com/WaysToSave. 

State Funding and Assistance 

Millions of dollars in energy assistance are available for customers. In 2021, BGE helped almost 40,000 customers secure nearly $60 million in energy assistance grants. BGE works closely with its community partners to connect customers with grants and programs like the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) and Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP).  

Applications and additional information can be found at the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) website: www.dhs.maryland.gov/ohep or by calling 800-332-6347.   

Additional programs include: 

  • The Arrearage Retirement Assistance (ARA) program, helps customers with large, past due electric or gas bills. Eligible customers may receive grants of up to $2,000 toward their past due bill. The Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) is designed to help limited income families avoid a service disconnection for nonpayment.  
    • Applications and additional information can be found at the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) website: www.dhs.maryland.gov/ohep or by calling 800-332-6347.  
  • The Fuel Fund of Maryland aims to be a lifeline for customers struggling with a home utility hardship. They help customers with assistance to pay a past-due utility bill if service is at risk.  
  • EmPOWER Maryland Limited Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP) helps qualified customers with the installation of energy conservation materials and devices. For more information on this MD Department of Housing and Community Development program, call 855.583.8976. 
  • 2-1-1 Maryland provides a link to community health and human service resources statewide, 24/7, in over 150 languages. Dial 2-1-1 for assistance in finding services such as childcare, employment, health care and insurance, emergency services and more. 

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