If you’ve opened a utility bill lately and felt a wave of frustration, you’re not alone. For many Marylanders, the rising cost of energy isn’t just a nuisance, it’s a crisis. While utility companies rake in profits, people are forced to make impossible choices between heating, cooling, and other essentials.

Given the increase in utility bills and summer temperatures, we are happy to share there is some long overdue relief in sight. Starting July 1, 2025, Maryland is launching a $19 million Customer Relief Fund to help low- and middle-income residents cover skyrocketing utility bills.

This one-time financial assistance will be distributed through local nonprofits in areas served by BGE, Delmarva Power, and Pepco. It is designed to reach those hit hardest by these unjustified rate hikes.

Read the full announcement here

If you or someone you know is struggling with utility bills, don’t wait— the fund is limited, and demand will be high. Use the links below to apply:

• Click here to apply if you are a BGE customer
• Click here to apply if you are a Delmarva Power customer
• Click here to apply if you are a Pepco customer

Eligibility varies by utility company. In general, those who apply must be in a limited to moderate income household (200-400% of the Federal Poverty Level), have a past-due account balance, along with other qualifiers. Specific eligibility requirements can be found in the applications linked above.

This relief fund only happened because of you and supporters like you who contacted their legislators, called, signed petitions, and supported action alerts that call into question the ability of these utility companies to set rates without addressing affordability concerns.