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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 18, 2019) – Hundreds of millions of dollars are available across the District of Columbia and Maryland to help customers struggling with their energy bills, and Pepco customers must act now to secure their support. Pepco customers can now apply for assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to receive up to $1,000 or more in grant support toward their energy bill.

"We are committed to helping every customer keep their lights on and make ends meet," said Donna Cooper, Pepco region president. "Each year, LIHEAP provides a crucial resource for customers that need financial support and our teams work extremely hard, hand in hand with local community organizations, to make sure customers are aware of this vital funding. It is important for customers to apply as early as possible to ensure they receive the assistance they need."

Last year alone, Pepco helped secure more than $13 million to help customers who were struggling to pay for their energy service. 

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. Eligibility is based on a customer's annual household income and size. A customer's annual household income cannot exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines. Homeowners, renters, roomers, and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible. Customers do not have to be behind on their bills to receive a grant. 

Maryland's maximum monthly income eligibility requirements are as follows:

•             $1,821 - One-person household  

•             $2,466 - Two-person household   

•             $3,111 - Three-person household 

•             $3,755 - Four-person household    

Washington, D.C.'s maximum monthly income eligibility requirements are as follows:

•             $2,734 - One-person household 

•             $3,575 - Two-person household 

•             $4,417 - Three-person household 

•             $5,258 - Four-person household

Maryland residents can apply for assistance online through Department of Human Services website, by visiting a Local Energy Assistance Office, or by calling the Office of Home Energy Programs at 1-800-332-6347. District of Columbia residents can apply for assistance and get more information on benefits at the District's Department of Energy and Environment website.

Other programs supporting Pepco customers include:

• 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 or calling 3-1-1 to schedule an in-person appointment.
• For DC customers, 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.
• For Maryland customers 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 towards 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. 
• Prince George's County residents may qualify for energy assistance from Mary's Center by calling 202-545-2024.
• Income eligible Montgomery County residents can receive energy assistance from Interfaith Works by calling 301-762-8682.
  

Pepco Maryland customers 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. Customers in the District of Columbia (Wards 1-6) can call 202-332-5000 or (Wards 7-8) call 202-678-9771. Prince George's County residents can call 301-277-6103 and Montgomery County residents can call 301-515-5354 for assistance. 

Through Pepco's Gift of Energy program, anyone can make a payment towards a friend or family member's energy bill. The gift will appear on a future bill as a credit to the recipient's account.

Pepco 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.

Customers can contact Pepco Customer Care at 202-833-7500 to ask about available resources or register for My Account, a web-based interactive tool that provides customers with a detailed analysis of their specific electric use and offers ways to save money and energy.

Readers are encouraged to visit The Source, Pepco's online news room. For more information about Atlantic City Electric, visit pepco.com. Follow the company on Facebook at facebook.com/pepcoconnect and on Twitter at twitter.com/pepcoconnect. Our mobile app is available at pepco.com/mobileapp.