​WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 15, 2021) – Pepco customers facing challenges paying their energy bills can take advantage of the millions of dollars available as part of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The application period for Maryland customers recently opened on July 1, while the District of Columbia remains in its current funding year with millions of dollars still available for residents there. Eligible customers may receive more than $1,000 in grant support through LIHEAP toward their energy bill by applying for assistance. Any customer who may be behind on their energy bill should review the program eligibility requirements, as customers who previously did not qualify for support, may now take advantage of these funds.

"We are committed to helping all of our customers in the District and Maryland meet their energy needs," said Donna Cooper, Pepco region president. "As our region's recovery from the pandemic continues, we know some people are still facing challenges and we want our customers to know that these assistance options are available and that we are available to help."

LIHEAP grant eligibility differs by state and is based on a customer's annual household income and size. To be eligible for LIHEAP, a customer's annual household income cannot exceed 175 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines in Maryland or 150 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines in the District. Homeowners, renters, roomers and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible. Customers do not have to be behind on their bills to receive a grant.

To meet eligibility requirements in Maryland, household income must be under the following thresholds:

For households with no members 67 years of age or older at the time of application.

• $22,536 - One-person household
• $30,480 - Two-person household
• $38,436 - Three-person household
• $46,380 - Four-person household
  

For households with one or more members 67 years of age or older at the time of application.

• $25,764 - One-person household
• $34,836 - Two-person household
• $43,920 - Three-person household
• $53,004 - Four-person household
  

To meet eligibility requirements in D.C., monthly household income must be under the following thresholds:

• $37,575 - One-person household
• $49,137 - Two-person household
• $60,698 - Three-person household
• $72,260 - Four-person household
  

In Maryland, customers can apply for LIHEAP energy assistance through the Department of Human Services website, by visiting a Local Administering Agency, or by calling the Office of Home Energy Programs at 800-332-6347. District of Columbia residents can apply for assistance online

though the Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) website or by calling 3-1-1.

Other energy assistance for District residents includes:

• The Residential Aid Discount (RAD) program provides energy assistance funding to income-qualified residential Pepco customers. RAD customers typically receive an average discount of 25 percent on their overall bill. The RAD program's Gross Income Limits were recently increased. Customers can check program eligibility and apply by visiting the District Department of Energy and Environment's web portal at doee.dc.gov/udp and clicking on the Utility Discount Program. Customers participating in RAD can also participate in the Arrearage Management Program (AMP), which gives 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 202-265-8200 or visit www.gwul.org.
• The District's STAY DC program provides more than $350 million in rental and utility assistance to renters and housing providers who are challenged with meeting their financial needs. Customers can call 833-4-STAYDC or visit https://stay.dc.gov.
• Qualified District residents also can sign up for DOEE's Solar for All program and receive up to 50 percent savings on their Pepco bill over a 15 year period. Learn more by calling 202-299-5271 or online at doee.dc.gov/solarforall.
  

Other energy assistance for Maryland residents includes:

• 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 toward 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.
• Pepco customers in Maryland 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. Prince George's County residents can call 301-277-6103 and Montgomery County residents can call 301-515-5354 for assistance.
• Maryland's Emergency Rental Assistance Program also has funding available to help renters pay their utility bills. Renters can call 877-546-5595.
  

Pepco Customer Care 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. Contact Pepco at 202-833-7500 to review payment options.

To learn more about Pepco, visit The Source, our online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting pepco.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/pepcoconnect and on Twitter at twitter.com/pepcoconnect. Pepco's mobile app is available at pepco.com/mobileapp.