The Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs aim to provide subsidies to help in-need families improve the energy efficiency of their homes and afford winter heating assistance. Under the Electronic Universal Service Program, the state works to ensure that all Maryland residents can afford their utilities bills, providing direct support to low-income households to get their accounts up to date. Under the program, the Department of Housing and Community Development also operates a Weatherization Assistance Program, to help fund improvements in home energy efficiency, as well as a Utility Service Protection Program to help spread out home heating costs over a 12-month period (so that winter heating bills don’t overwhelm households.)
One of the largest aspects of the program is MEAP, or the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, which makes direct payments to utility companies for winter heating bills, as well as providing rebates on home appliance efficiency improvements. Under the program, the state has a variety of requirements, although those receiving Supplemental Security Income, Disability Income or Public Assistance may automatically qualify. Applicants most providence evidence of their participation in such programs, as well as their latest utility bill and income justification (in the form of pay stubs or other official documents.)
The help ensure that families don’t go without heating assistance during particularly cold months, the state Utility Service Protection Program allows families to shift their heating bills to a monthly payment scheme, so that a high bill during the winter doesn’t otherwise impair income levels. Taking into account subsidies, the program determines a pro-rated payment that makes winter heating bills more affordable throughout the year.
Under the Weatherization Assistance Program, households may qualify for rebates on certain home improvements, such as window covers, insulation and weather stripping from approved contractors. Households can use these improvements to lower their average monthly bill, which can further reduce their utility bills throughout the year, as well as improving the overall value and efficiency of their home. Certainly repairs may also qualify for federal assistance according to the Department of Energy federal guidelines.
Each county within the state operates a Local Home Energy Office, which provides detailed information, applications and guidelines for households seeking energy assistance. It is ideal to visit the Offices in the spring to inquire about qualifications in advance of the winter season, as it takes time to qualify and process all of the applications for the upcoming winter. Grant levels are determined at the state level based upon a variety of criterion, including home, energy consumption and household needs, along with geography and income factors.
Most households can qualify for up to an 85% subsidy on their payments, although exact amounts are determined by the state funding office, in coordination with Federal Liheap grants. When applying, make sure you bring your utility bills, income statements, official identification and social security cards (for each member of your household), along with proof of resident (whether you are renting or own your home - for those with integrated utilities, you should bring your rental statement.) Since it can take up to six weeks to process an application, one should visit his or her local office in advance.
