Maryland Governor Wes Moore joined Pepco, BGE, Delmarva Power, and nonprofit partners to launch a $19 million Customer Relief Fund, funded by Exelon, to assist limited- and moderate-income residents with rising energy bills, with Pepco customers eligible for up to $300 in grants starting in July.
Per the news release: “Maryland Governor Wes Moore joined Pepco, its sister utilities BGE and Delmarva Power, and nonprofit partners from the Salvation Army, Harford Community Action Agency, Shore UP!, and the United Way of Central Maryland to launch the companies’ Customer Relief Fund, which will provide a total of $19 million in relief for limited- and moderate-income customers in Maryland during an anticipated increase in energy bills. The fund was made possible through a one-time donation by the utilities’ parent company, Exelon, to nonprofit partners who will administer the funds across the Pepco, BGE and Delmarva Power service areas in the state. For Pepco, the Salvation Army will administer the fund, with applications opening in early July.
“Not a day goes by without me hearing from Marylanders about their real and justified concerns over steep bill increases. We need to work together to get them relief — and today, we are taking new actions to achieve exactly that,” said Gov. Moore. “We are thankful to have Pepco and the Salvation Army at the table. But while this is an important step forward, it will not be the last. Marylanders are counting on us to put the interests of the people first.”
Eligible Pepco customers could qualify for up to $300 in grants through the fund.
“Pepco has deep community roots, and we’re committed to standing by our customers and helping them stay connected to the essential energy service we provide,” said Tyler Anthony, President and CEO of Pepco Holdings. “The Customer Relief Fund offers immediate assistance with higher energy bills as we continue to work on long-term solutions with state and local officials.”
“Every person and family in Maryland deserves to live with dignity and respect, without consistent stress over critical needs like how to keep your electricity on,” said Major Wilma Mason, Area Commander at The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command. “This Customer Relief Fund will go a long way toward fulfilling this vision today, and The Salvation Army is proud to continue our work with Pepco to make it a sustainable reality over the long term.”
How the Customer Relief Fund Will Work
Pepco and the Salvation Army are working closely to provide limited- and moderate-income Pepco customers with meaningful relief in the coming months, as customers will likely see another increase in energy costs driven by increasing energy supply costs as demand rises and supply is not there to meet it.
Beginning early July, the fund will be open to active, limited income customers who are income qualified for federal and state energy assistance programs and have at least $250 in arrearages over the past 60+ days. Moderate income customers who meet certain income eligibility requirements may also be eligible for support. Approved grants will be credited to the customer’s Pepco account.
To apply or learn more, customers should visit
pepco.com/ReliefMD
or call 202-833-7500. Similar funds will be announced for Pepco customers in the District in the coming weeks.”
