Washington, D.C. (June 15, 2021) – Pepco Maryland customers, who may be struggling to manage their energy bills due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, will soon receive a one-time payment to their Pepco account in the form of a grant from the State of Maryland. The grants, which are being provided to customers who meet requirements determined by the State, are part of the $83 million made available through the Recovery for the Economy, Livelihoods, Industries, Entrepreneurs and Families (RELIEF) Act of 2021.

"We commend the Maryland General Assembly and Governor Hogan for utilizing relief assistance in a meaningful and impactful way and for supporting the state's energy customers as we approach the official start of summer," said Derrick Dickens, senior vice president and chief customer officer for Pepco Holdings. "This assistance builds on the many programs available to support our customers. We urge our customers to take advantage of the extended payment arrangements and energy assistance programs we are offering to help them meet their energy needs." 

Customers who qualify for a RELIEF grant do not need to take any action and will see the grant applied to their Pepco account during one of the next two billing cycles.  Pepco is contacting customers to inform them if they qualify for the grant and to ensure their awareness when they see the grant applied to their bill.

This state-funded grant program builds upon the extended payment arrangements and other assistance programs Pepco offers customers who may be behind on their energy bill. Pepco works closely with its community partners to connect customers with grants and assistance programs like LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP provides grants in varying amounts based on a household's income, size, type of fuel, and type of dwelling, with no pay back required. Customers who may have never qualified for energy assistance may now qualify based on their current financial situation. Customers in Maryland could qualify for more than $1,000 in assistance, and customers in the District of Columbia could secure $1,800 in assistance just through LIHEAP alone. 

• Maryland customers can apply for LIHEAP energy assistance through the Department of Human Services website, or by calling the Maryland Department of Human Services Office of Home Energy Programs at 1-800-332-6347.
• District of Columbia residents can apply for assistance online though the Department of Energy and the Environment website or by calling 3-1-1.
  

In addition to helping customers secure energy assistance, Pepco offers expanded billing and payment options that include eliminating down payment/security deposit requirements, extending payment periods for balances and connecting more customers with energy assistance funds. Pepco continues to reach out and connect with customers who have fallen behind on their payments, as well as customers who may be eligible for energy assistance, through phone calls, letters, emails, social media, targeted advertising, and more. The most important step that customers who are past due on their Pepco bill can take is to contact the company at 202-833-7500 or pepco.com/Help as soon as possible. Customers should never wait until they are in crisis to contact the company.

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.
  

Other energy assistance for District residents includes:

• The Utility Discount Program (UDP) assists low-income District residents reduce their utility costs. Eligible customers may receive a discount of up to $475 per year on their electric bill ($300 per year if non-electric heat). District residents can visit the Department of Energy and the Environment website at doee.dc.gov to apply online, by mail or by calling 3-1-1.

• 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 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.
  

Pepco encourages customers who have the financial ability to help support those in need by contributing to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund or the Gift of Energy program. Learn how at pepco.com/Help.