|
Pepco Reminds Customers About Available Energy Assistance as Temperatures Dip
Federal, state and local energy assistance programs offer customers access to millions of dollars in grants to help pay for winter energy bills.
WASHINGTON, DC (December 19, 2023) — Winter brings colder temperatures, which leads to increased energy use and higher energy bills. Pepco reminds customers to take advantage of billing assistance programs, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, a federally funded program that helps limited-income households with their home energy bills. Customers should not wait for winter heating bills to arrive before applying for help – LIHEAP is a first come, first serve program and is only available until funding runs out.
LIHEAP provides grants in varying amounts (up to $1,800 in the District of Columbia and $2,213 in Maryland), with no payback required. Requirements include a household's income, type of fuel and type of dwelling. Homeowners, renters, roomers, and subsidized housing tenants may also be eligible. Customers do not have to be behind on their bills to receive a grant.
Maryland customers can review eligibility requirements through the Department of Human Services website or by calling the Maryland Department of Human Services Office of Home Energy Programs at 800-332-6347. District residents can review eligibility requirements and apply for assistance online though the Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) website or by calling 3-1-1. As a reminder, District residents who have received LIHEAP assistance in the past must recertify their need for assistance this year. Enrollment does not roll over automatically.
“With winter weather officially here, customers should prepare for potential spikes in energy bills as we warm our homes and businesses,” said Morlon Bell-Izzard, senior vice president of Customer Operations and chief customer officer for Pepco Holdings. “We understand that rising energy costs and inflation continue to impact our customers and the upcoming holiday season brings additional pressures. We are here to help and remain committed to supporting those facing difficulties through payment plans and energy assistance programs.”
If customers do not meet LIHEAP requirements and are having difficulty paying their energy bills, Pepco Customer Care is also available to help by offering:
- Flexible payment arrangements that offer tailored payment plans
- Extending payment periods for balances
- Connecting customers with energy assistance funds
-
Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period and helps avoid seasonal spikes and provides a consistent monthly bill.
Customers can contact Pepco at 202-833-7500 or visit pepco.com/EnergyAssistance for more information.
Other energy assistance for District residents includes:
-
The Residential Aid Discount (RAD) program provides energy assistance funding to income-qualified residential Pepco customers and now has a higher income eligibility limit. Eligible customers may receive a discount of up to $475 per year on their electric bill ($300 per year if non-electric heat). Customers can check program eligibility and apply by visiting the DOEE's web portal at doee.dc.gov/udp.
-
Customers participating in RAD can also participate in the Arrearage Management Program (AMP), which provides customers the option to reduce or eliminate outstanding balances of over $300 that have been past due for 60 days or more. Customers can enroll by calling 202-496-5830 or emailing EnergyAssistanceMailbox@pepco.com.
-
The Greater Washington Urban League provides up to $500 in assistance to eligible customers facing disconnection. Customers can call 202-792-2554 or visit gwul.org/emergency-services to learn more.
-
Commercial assistance programs for District small businesses, houses of worship and nonprofits are also now available, including options such as installment plans, deposits held applications, budget billing and bill deferral. Commercial customers can sign up for these programs by emailing BCSTPEPCO@exeloncorp.com or calling 833-504-8659.
Other energy assistance for Maryland residents includes:
-
The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) assists eligible low-income customers with their electric bills, even if they are currently without service and the Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) protects low-income families from utility cut-offs and allows MEAP eligible households to enter into monthly payment programs. To apply for these programs, customers can contact the Office of Home Energy Programs in their area, call 1-800-332-6347 or visit dhr.maryland.gov/ohep.
- Interfaith Works provides emergency assistance to income eligible customers in Montgomery County. Customers can call 301-762-8682.
- Mary’s Center also provides emergency assistance to income eligible customers in Prince George’s County. Customers can call 202-545-2024.
To learn more about Pepco, visit The Source, Pepco’s online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting pepco.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/PepcoConnect on Twitter at twitter.com/PepcoConnect. Pepco’s mobile app is available at pepco.com/MobileApp.
# # #
Pepco is a unit of Exelon (Nasdaq: EXC), a Fortune 250 company and the nation’s largest utility company, serving more than 10 million customers. Pepco provides safe and reliable energy service to approximately 919,000 customers in the District of Columbia and Maryland
| 
