What Are the Top Energy Assistance Programs in Baltimore County?
Energy Assistance Programs in Baltimore County are administered by the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) through four distinct grants: the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) for heating bills, the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) for electric bills ($34 million/year, 150% FPL eligibility), Arrearage Retirement Assistance (ARA) for past-due electric balances of $300-$2,000, and Gas Arrearage Retirement Assistance (GARA). Additional resources include BGE bill assistance at 1-800-352-1446, the Fuel Fund of Maryland, Civic Works energy programs, and the EmPOWER Maryland Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP). Apply at myohepstatus.org or call 1-800-332-6347. Maryland received $84.8 million in FY 2026 LIHEAP funding.
Why Energy Assistance Programs in Baltimore County Matter in 2026
In Baltimore County, Maryland, many households face rising energy costs as winter heating demands stack on top of summer cooling bills. Maryland’s mid-Atlantic climate produces both serious heating seasons (October through March) and hot, humid summers that drive AC use sharply higher. For low-income households, the cumulative pressure can push monthly bills past the limit of what working budgets can absorb.
The good news is that Baltimore County has one of the most layered energy assistance ecosystems in the country. Maryland’s Office of Home Energy Programs operates four distinct grants under one application, BGE offers its own bill credits and weatherization, the Fuel Fund of Maryland fills gaps that federal funds don’t reach, and the EmPOWER Maryland program funds free energy efficiency upgrades worth thousands of dollars per home. This guide walks through every active program, who qualifies, how much you can receive, and exactly how to apply in 2026.
Key Energy Assistance Programs in Baltimore County at a Glance
The Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs administers four energy grants statewide: MEAP, EUSP, ARA, and GARA. Apply at myohepstatus.org or call 1-800-332-6347.
The Baltimore County Department of Social Services operates the local OHEP office for in-person applications. Walk-ins accepted with active turn-off notices.
Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) offers bill assistance, payment arrangements, and Quick Home Energy Check-ups. Call 1-800-352-1446 to start.
The Fuel Fund of Maryland provides emergency bill assistance and energy education. Helps with electric, gas, oil, and other heating fuels. Serves Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and 4 other counties.
Civic Works is a Baltimore-based nonprofit providing free home energy audits, weatherization, and energy efficiency upgrades through DHCD-funded programs.
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development administers EmPOWER Maryland Low Income Energy Efficiency Program. Call 1-855-583-8976.
OHEP: The Four Energy Assistance Programs in Baltimore County You Should Know
Maryland’s Office of Home Energy Programs operates four separate grants under one combined application. This is the key insight most Baltimore County applicants miss: you don’t choose between programs. One OHEP application automatically screens you for all four.
1. Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
MEAP provides financial assistance with home heating bills. Payments go directly to your fuel supplier or utility company on your behalf. How much MEAP covers depends on three factors: the type of fuel used (electric, natural gas, oil, propane, wood), household income, and the area of Maryland where you live. Baltimore County and Baltimore City have their own benefit calculations.
2. Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
EUSP is Maryland’s electric assistance grant, with $34 million in annual funding subject to Public Service Commission approval. It provides monthly financing toward your current electric bill. Eligibility is set at electricity customers with incomes at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. Eligible customers can receive both EUSP and federal LIHEAP.
Important EUSP rules:
- Available once per program year (July through June)
- Customers receiving EUSP are placed on a 12-month budget billing plan with their utility
- Electric bill must be in your name to qualify
- Some EUSP participants may also qualify for arrearage assistance for past-due electric bills
3. Arrearage Retirement Assistance (ARA)
ARA is OHEP’s program for past-due electric bills. The arrearage grant ranges from $300 minimum to $2,000 maximum. Critical limitation: ARA can be used once every 7 years. If you’ve received ARA in the past seven years, you’ll need to wait before applying again. You must also be receiving EUSP and enrolled in budget billing to qualify.
4. Gas Arrearage Retirement Assistance (GARA)
GARA mirrors ARA but for past-due natural gas bills. You must have a past-due gas balance of at least $300 to be considered for the grant. Like ARA, GARA can only be received once every 7 years.
Utility Service Protection Program (USPP)
Beyond the four grants, MEAP-eligible customers can participate in USPP, which protects against utility turn-offs during the heating season. USPP requires year-round, even monthly budget billing. Failure to make consecutive payments may result in removal from USPP.
Maryland received $84,754,189 in FY 2026 federal LIHEAP funding (including $2,465,280 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act). On top of that, EUSP receives an additional $34 million per year from Maryland utility ratepayers, making Maryland one of the most generously funded energy assistance states.
Eligibility for Energy Assistance Programs in Baltimore County
OHEP eligibility is income-based with two different thresholds depending on which grant. As a Baltimore County resident, the most important fact is that energy assistance does NOT reduce your other public benefits. MEAP, EUSP, ARA, and GARA grants don’t count against TCA, SNAP, Social Security, or other assistance you receive.
Income guidelines for 2026
- MEAP: Generally up to 175% of the Federal Poverty Level (verify current limits with OHEP)
- EUSP: Up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level
- ARA/GARA: Must qualify for EUSP (electric) or MEAP (gas)
Other requirements
- Must reside in Baltimore County or Baltimore City for the local OHEP office (other counties have their own OHEP offices)
- Must have utility costs (current bills, fuel deliveries, or arrears)
- Utility account must be in the applicant’s name for EUSP
- For ARA/GARA: 7-year exclusion period after receiving the grant
- Both renters and homeowners can apply
Year-round application window
Critically, OHEP is a year-round program. You can apply any time during the fiscal year (July through June). A turn-off notice is NOT required to qualify. You don’t need to wait for a crisis to apply. Apply early in the program year because some funds run out before fiscal year end.
Comparing Top Energy Assistance Programs in Baltimore County
Author’s Pro TipFile one OHEP application before October. The Maryland OHEP application screens you for MEAP, EUSP, ARA, and GARA simultaneously, plus automatically refers you to the Weatherization Assistance Program. You don’t need to submit four separate applications. The key timing trick: apply in July or August (early in the fiscal year) so your EUSP benefit covers the full 12 months of budget billing and your MEAP heating grant is ready before the cold season hits. As a Baltimore County resident, if you’ve never received ARA or GARA before, ask about arrearage screening explicitly. The $2,000 maximum is significant, and many applicants don’t realize they qualify. After OHEP, layer the Fuel Fund of Maryland, EmPOWER LIEEP weatherization, and BGE’s Quick Home Energy Check-up for the most complete coverage.
— Editorial Team, UtilityAssistanceOnline
Don’t Wait Until Your Bill Is Overdue
OHEP is year-round, but funds run out before fiscal year-end. Apply early at myohepstatus.org or call 1-800-332-6347.
How to Apply for Energy Assistance Programs in Baltimore County
Step 1: Choose your application channel
OHEP accepts applications four ways:
- Online: Apply or check status at myohepstatus.org
- In person: Visit your local Baltimore County OHEP office (no appointment needed for active turn-off notices)
- By mail: Download form DHS-FIA-9780 from the OHEP website, complete, and mail
- By phone: Call OHEP at 1-800-332-6347 (TTY: 1-800-925-4434)
Step 2: Gather required documentation
- Photo ID for the head of household
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income for all household members 18 and older (most recent 30 days of pay stubs, SSI/SSA award letters, pensions, unemployment, child support)
- Most recent gas and electric bills (or fuel oil/propane delivery receipts)
- Proof of residency (lease, mortgage, or utility bill at your Baltimore County address)
- Turn-off notice if applying for emergency assistance
- If categorically eligible: TCA, SNAP, or SSI verification
Step 3: Submit your application
Complete sections for all four grants (MEAP, EUSP, ARA, GARA) on the same application. The OHEP system automatically screens you for each one. Indicate that you’re interested in weatherization assistance to be automatically referred to DHCD for the EmPOWER LIEEP program.
Step 4: Track your application
Check status anytime at myohepstatus.org. OHEP typically processes applications within 30 days. Approved benefits are paid directly to your utility provider (BGE, Washington Gas, or your fuel supplier) as a credit on your account. You receive a notification letter regardless of approval status.
Step 5: Pursue parallel resources
While your OHEP application processes, contact BGE at 1-800-352-1446 for payment arrangements, the Fuel Fund of Maryland for emergency aid, and Civic Works for weatherization audits. Layering all of these creates the maximum possible benefit stack.
Beyond OHEP: Additional Energy Assistance Programs in Baltimore County
BGE bill assistance
BGE offers customers a range of bill management tools beyond OHEP-funded benefits:
- Budget billing: Smooths your annual bill into 12 even monthly payments
- Payment arrangements: Deferred payment plans for households facing temporary hardship
- Quick Home Energy Check-up: Free virtual or in-home energy assessment with installation of basic efficiency items
- Energy Saver Trade Allies: Rebates on energy-efficient HVAC, water heaters, and appliances
- Customer Investment Fund: Limited-income discount on the customer charge portion of bills
Fuel Fund of Maryland
The Fuel Fund of Maryland (FFM) is an umbrella organization comprised of local fuel funds in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties. FFM helps customers using electric, oil, gas, and other heating fuels. It serves as a layer of last-resort assistance when OHEP funds are exhausted or for households just above OHEP income limits. Apply through fuelfundmaryland.org.
EmPOWER Maryland LIEEP (Weatherization)
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development administers the EmPOWER Maryland Low Income Energy Efficiency Program. This provides free home weatherization upgrades, including insulation, air sealing, furnace tune-ups, energy-efficient lighting, and refrigerator replacement when needed. Call 1-855-583-8976 to apply. Applicants who complete the OHEP application are automatically referred to WAP.
Civic Works and Baltimore County weatherization providers
For Baltimore County weatherization, the Maryland Energy Administration designates Community Action Council of Howard County and Civic Works as the official providers. Both deliver free energy audits, weatherization measures, and efficiency upgrades through DHCD and BGE funding. For broader context, see our companion guides on the Maryland energy assistance landscape, how weatherization works, mastering your utility bills, and national weatherization assistance programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Energy Assistance Programs in Baltimore County
Who qualifies for Energy Assistance Programs in Baltimore County?
EUSP eligibility is set at electricity customers with incomes at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. MEAP typically uses up to approximately 175% FPL. Both renters and homeowners can apply. SNAP, TCA, and SSI recipients are typically categorically eligible. Priority is given to households with seniors, persons with disabilities, families with children, and households facing turn-off.
What are the four OHEP grants?
OHEP operates four distinct grants: MEAP (Maryland Energy Assistance Program for heating bills), EUSP (Electric Universal Service Program for electric bills with budget billing), ARA (Arrearage Retirement Assistance for past-due electric, $300-$2,000), and GARA (Gas Arrearage Retirement Assistance for past-due gas). One application screens you for all four automatically.
How do I apply for OHEP in Baltimore County?
Apply online at myohepstatus.org, in person at your local Baltimore County OHEP office, by mail using form DHS-FIA-9780, or by phone at 1-800-332-6347 (TTY 1-800-925-4434). Walk-ins are accepted without appointments if you have an active turn-off notice.
How often can I receive ARA or GARA?
Once every 7 years per household. The ARA grant for past-due electric balances ranges from $300 to $2,000, and GARA for past-due gas requires at least a $300 balance to qualify. The 7-year exclusion applies separately to each grant. You can receive both ARA and GARA in the same year if you qualify for both.
Will energy assistance reduce my other benefits?
No. Maryland OHEP energy assistance does not reduce TCA, SNAP, Social Security, or any other public assistance benefits you receive. The grants are paid directly to your utility provider and don’t count as household income for other federal programs.
Do I need a turn-off notice to apply?
No. OHEP is a year-round program with no turn-off notice requirement. You can apply any time during the fiscal year (July through June) and you only receive benefits once per fiscal year, so reapply annually. Apply early in the program year because some funds run out before fiscal year-end.
Apply for Energy Assistance Programs in Baltimore County Today
- MEAP heating bill grants
- EUSP monthly electric bill credit
- Up to $2,000 ARA or GARA arrearage
- Free EmPOWER weatherization upgrades