Community Energy Fund (CEF)

A need based program that provides assistance to qualifying residential customers who need emergency help paying their electric bill. The company’s shareholders match donations from customers 50 cents on each dollar, up to the program limits. The distribution of funds is administered by local administering agencies in Potomac Edison’s service territory.

Program Availability: Open year-round

To Apply: 

• Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs – 301-631-2670
• Allegany Co. Department of Social Services – 301-784-7000
• Washington Co. Community Action Council – 301-797-4161
• Human Services Programs of Carroll County – 410-857-2999
• Garrett Co. Community Action Committee – 301-334-9431

Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)

A state funded program administered by the Department of Human Resources and the Office of Home Energy Programs. This program provides financial assistance with electric bills. Eligible customers receive help that pays a portion of their current electric bills. Customers who receive EUSP are placed on the Average Payment Plan, or budget billing, which helps level out bill payments and gives more control of the monthly household budget.  Under the Average Payment Plan, the annual electric bill will be divided into 12 monthly payments that will round off those peaks and make it easier to pay.  Potomac Edison may also establish a payment plan that allows paying the account balance over an extended period of time.

Program Availability
Applications are taken year-round for all programs; however, benefit start-dates vary per program.

To Apply: Department of Human Services Application Process*

Apply Online: my MDTHINK*

Acceptable Documents: Office of Home Energy Programs Acceptable Documents*  

Office Locations: Office of Home Energy Programs Office Locations *

How to Apply YouTube Video:  How to Fill out the Energy Assistance Application the Right Way*

Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) Arrearage Retirement Assistance

EUSP helps customers with large, past due electric bills. If eligible, customers may receive forgiveness of up to $2,000 towards their past due bill. Customers must have a past due bill of $300 or greater to be considered eligible. Customers may only receive an arrearage grant once every seven years, with certain exceptions.

Program Availability
Applications are taken year-round for all programs; however, benefit start-dates vary per program.

To Apply: Department of Human Services Application Process*

Apply Online: my MDTHINK*

Acceptable Documents: Office of Home Energy Programs Acceptable Documents*  

Office Locations: Office of Home Energy Programs Office Locations *

How to Apply YouTube Video:  How to Fill out the Energy Assistance Application the Right Way*

Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)

MEAP is a federally funded program, administered by the Department of Human Resources and the Office of Home Energy Programs.  This grant helps low-income customers pay their heating bills. 

Program Availability
Applications taken year-round for all programs; however, benefit start dates vary per program

To Apply: Department of Human Resources Application Process*

Apply Online: my MDTHINK*

Acceptable Documents: Office of Home Energy Programs Acceptable Documents*  

Office Locations: Office of Home Energy Programs Office Locations *

How to Apply YouTube Video:  How to Fill out the Energy Assistance Application the Right Way*

Utility Service Protection Plan (USPP)

A federally sponsored program administered by the Department of Human Resources and the Office of Home Energy Programs. This program  is designed to protect eligible low-income families from utility turn-offs during the heating season. All MEAP eligible customers may participate in USPP.  USPP also requires participation in the Average Payment Plan. 
 

Program Availability
Applications are taken year-round for all programs; however, benefit start dates vary per program.

To Apply: Department of Human Resources Application Process*

Apply Online: my MDTHINK*

Acceptable Documents: Office of Home Energy Programs Acceptable Documents*  

Office Locations: Office of Home Energy Programs Office Locations *

How to Apply YouTube Video:  How to Fill out the Energy Assistance Application the Right Way*

EmPOWER Low income Energy Efficiency Programs

The EmPOWER Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP), administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), helps low-income households with installation of energy conservation materials in their homes.  No payment is required for these services. These improvements may reduce a household’s energy use, lower monthly utility bills, make occupants more comfortable and may improve the air quality and overall health of the family.

To Apply:

• Contact DHCD at 855-583-8976
• DHCD Energy Efficiency Site*
• EmPOWER Low Income Programs

Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Services 

Customers are referred to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for programs that can provide improvements and repairs to homes at no cost. These improvements can help lower utility bills and make the home more comfortable.  

To Apply:

• Contact DHCD at 855-583-8976
• DHCD Energy Efficiency Site*

211 Helpline

This nationwide resource and information helpline will identify programs in your area that may assist you or someone you know with utility bills.

To Apply:

• Call 211
• Text your ZIP Code to 898211
• 211 Website*

Critical Customer Care Program

The Critical Customer Care Program identifies customers who use certain electrically operated life sustaining medical equipment in their home. The program helps customers - for whom a service interruption could be immediately life threatening or would make operation of necessary medical or life supporting equipment impossible or impractical - prepare for planned and unplanned power outages. Please call us if someone in your home uses this type of medical equipment.

Contact: Potomac Edison - Email or call 800-686-0011

Medical Certification

Customers with severe health problems may have a licensed physician certify in writing that a termination of electric service would be especially dangerous.  The medical certification will postpone the termination of electric service for 30 days. The certification is designed to provide the customer with additional time to pay their past-due balance. The customer is still responsible for the past-due amount and will be given the opportunity to pay the balance in monthly installments.

Contact: 
If you or a member of your household have a qualifying medical condition, we have made it easier for your doctor to submit the medical certificates to us by automating the forms online. Please email us or call Customer Service at 800-686-0011 for details on the information your doctor will need to complete the medical form.