More Aid for Families Struggling with Winter Energy Bills

WASHINGTON - Dramatic increases in the funding level for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) should help thousands of families across Pepco's service territory that are struggling to pay their heating bills this winter.

LIHEAP is a block grant program which assists low-income households - both homeowners and renters - with their energy bills. The application period is through March 31, 2009.

For fiscal year 2009, the LIHEAP funding in the District of Columbia has increased to $16.2 million; it has increased to $109.1 million in Maryland, according to the National Energy Directors Association. These funding levels represent a significant increase over previous years. The average grant will increase from $355 to $550.

Pepco delivers electricity to about 700,000 residential customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

"Given the economic uncertainties that so many are facing, it is more important than ever for eligible District and Maryland residents to know that there is financial help available," said Pepco Region President Thomas Graham.

Pepco is partnering with community-based organizations and social service agencies throughout the District of Columbia and Maryland to ensure that their low-income and at-risk customers are made aware of the federal dollars available to help them with their utility bills.

Below are the program details and contact information for the respective areas:

District of Columbia

District of Columbia customers seeking help should call the District Department of the Environment's Energy Office Division, at 311 or visit their Web site at www.dceo.dc.gov for application information and eligibility guidelines.

Also, qualified low-income customers may be eligible for Pepco's Residential Aid Discount (RAD) program. Pepco's RAD provides qualified District of Columbia customers with a discount on kilowatt-hours used each month. The discount varies depending on winter or summer usage.

All electric customers in the District of Columbia who are seeking help with their energy bill should call Pepco Customer Care at 202-833-7500 for more information on payment assistance options.

Maryland

The Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs administers MEAP for the state. Maryland customers seeking help should call their local energy assistance office for details:

Montgomery County:

Department of Health and Human Services
1301 Piccard Drive , Rockville, Md.
240-777-4450
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prince George's County: 

Department of Social Services
425 Brightseat Road , Landover, Md.
301-909-6300
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additional information can be found online at www.dhr.state.md.us/meap.

Pepco, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), delivers safe, reliable and affordable electric service to more than 750,000 customers in the District of Columbia and Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland.

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