​WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 21, 2020) – As COVID-19 continues to present health and economic challenges to our customers in the District of Columbia and Maryland, Pepco wants to remind customers of the Gift of Energy program. From helping someone pay their energy bills to giving the gift of energy, these programs provide customers options to help ease the financial impacts of the pandemic. for

family, friends and neighbors

"We want to remind our customers that we are here to help you," said Donna Cooper, Pepco region president. "At this time, we are all looking for additional ways to support our local communities. We've suspended service disconnections, waived new late payment charges and more. But it's also important to empower support within our communities. Through the Gift of Energy, we can help our customers help their friends, families, neighbors or even a local business."

For those looking to assist a specific customer, Pepco offers the Gift of Energy. The program allows anyone to purchase credits for Pepco customers—including family and friends—that go toward their energy bills. The Gift of Energy is an easy way to alleviate an energy bill for a loved one or even a local business. All that is needed is the customer's name and address or phone number associated with the account. The gift will appear on the recipient's future energy bill as a credit. Those interested in making a purchase can do so online at pepco.com/gift or by calling 202-833-7500.

Throughout the year, Pepco offers many other programs to help customers manage their energy costs and save money. Existing assistance programs include:

• Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): A federal grant program to help low-income customers manage their energy costs and ensure service during the heating season. 

Other programs supporting District customers include:

• The Utility Discount Program (UDP) assists low-income District residents to 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.
• The Greater Washington Urban League provides up to $500 in assistance to eligible customers in District facing disconnection. Customers can call 202-265-8200 or visit www.gwul.org.

Other programs supporting Maryland customers include:

• 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.
• Income eligible Montgomery County residents can receive energy assistance from Interfaith Works by calling 301-762-8682.

In addition to energy assistance programs, Pepco has provided $875,000 to District of Columbia and Maryland COVID-19 relief organizations with nearly half of the support coming from the Exelon Foundation.

For those struggling to pay their energy bills, Pepco reminds customers that energy assistance is still available. To learn more about state and local payment assistance programs, visit pepco.com/customersupport or call 202-833-7500.

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