​WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 12, 2020) – Pepco has provided $1.29 million to The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command to support limited-income customers in Maryland who may be impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic or other financial challenges. This funding comes as part of the continued benefits of the merger between Exelon and Pepco Holdings in 2016, which has provided more than $7.5 million in customer arrearage support to Maryland customers over the past four years.

"We are committed to helping all our customers through these difficult times," said Derrick Dickens, senior vice president and chief customer officer, Pepco Holdings. "These grants build on our support for local emergency funds and assistance agencies, small businesses and colleges, as well as support we are providing directly to our customers to help ensure they have the assistance they need."

Pepco's grant will provide funding to the Washington Area Fuel Fund, which is administered by The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command and provides emergency utility assistance to customers who are facing challenges that prevent them from meeting their energy needs. 

"This generous gift is critical in helping Marylanders, who are struggling from the effects of the pandemic and other financial challenges, meet their energy needs," said Salvation Army Area Commander Major Mark Woodcock. "We are pleased to continue our long partnership with Pepco in providing assistance and supporting our local communities."

So far this year, including this donation, Pepco has provided more than $3.3 million in support to local nonprofits and local relief funds, supporting families, individuals and small businesses that may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In June, Pepco announced that it would provide $200,000 to support students at several Montgomery County and Prince George's County community colleges, who may be challenged in making ends meet due to the pandemic, to help ensure they can continue pursuing higher education and vocational training, and helping to support a sustainable local pipeline of talent and a workforce that is prepared for future careers in energy and related sectors. The company also announced expanded support for local business recovery by providing grants totaling $500,000 to relief funds supporting small businesses in Montgomery and Prince George's counties. 

Customers who may be challenged in paying their bill must contact the company as soon as possible to establish a payment arrangement, which can be done online at pepco.com/help or by calling Pepco Customer Care at 202-833-7500. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Pepco has helped thousands of customers secure energy assistance and establish payment arrangements, and this effort continues.

In addition to payment arrangements, Pepco has programs that can help customers keep their monthly energy bills manageable, like Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period to help customers manage their monthly energy bill.

Pepco also works with local agencies like The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command to provide assistance for limited-income customers. In Maryland, Pepco customers can apply for energy assistance like LIHEAP, which provides up to $1,000 in grant support per customer with no payback required, through the Maryland Department of Human Services by calling the Office of Home Energy Programs at 800-332-6347. Customers also can receive energy assistance from Interfaith Works and Mary's Center who serve as administering partners of Pepco's Good Neighbor Energy Fund, which provides assistance to customers facing hardship. 

Customers who have the ability to do so, can provide support for those in need by contributing to Pepco's Good Neighbor Energy Fund or through the company's Gift of Energy program. 

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