Qualifying Baltimore Gas & Electric customers to receive grant from state

Some Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) customers may soon receive a one-time payment to their BGE account in the form of a grant from the State of Maryland.

The grants are being provided to customers who meet certain requirements determined by the state. It is part of the stateʻs $83 million grant program made available through the Recovery for the Economy, Livelihoods, Industries, Entrepreneurs and Families (RELIEF) Act of 2021.

“We are pleased to support Governor Hogan and the Maryland General Assembly in their efforts to provide much needed assistance to our customers through state relief assistance,” Tamla Olivier, senior vice president and chief customer officer for BGE, said. “This effort enhances the many existing options available to our customers to aid in managing their energy bills, including extended payment arrangements and energy assistance programs.

Customers who qualify do not need to take any action. The funds will automatically be applied to their BGE account during one of the next two billing cycles or in about four to six weeks.

This is just one of the assistance programs that BGE offers its customers who may be behind on their energy bills. BGE also works with community partners to connect customers with grants and assistance programs like LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. BGE customers could qualify for more than $1,000 in assistance through LIHEAP alone.

In addition, BGE 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.

Other energy assistance for Maryland residents includes the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP), which helps eligible customers pay for a portion of their current electric bill. Also, the Arrearage Retirement Assistance (ARA) program helps customers with large, past-due electric and gas bills. Further, the Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) is designed to help low-income families during the heating season.