Effective April 24, 2024: The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP), a program of the Department of Human Services, announced earlier this week that they are unable to accept applications for MEAP (Maryland Energy Assistance Program) and GARA (Gas Arrearage Retirement Assistance) benefits since funds have been exhausted. All applications are on hold until July 1, 2024. Learn more: Applying For Energy Assistance? - Maryland Department of Human Services
Fuel Fund is NOT a part of this State program but as a result MORE people will be applying to the Fuel Fund for help which means: (1) it will take Fuel Fund staff up to 10 days to review your application as well as (2) more money needed by you to pay your BGE bill. This is out of our control. Please be patient.
PROVIDED FINANCIAL GRANTS TO MORE THAN 4,000 HOUSEHOLDS IN 2023
Our drive is to provide emergency financial intervention programs and services to a qualifying applicant who has no power in their home or an impending turn off notice from BGE.
Our role in the utility assistance process is to determine the potential FFM financial grant for which the applicant may be eligible for (as described on the APPLY page); not to determine BGE balance(s), OHEP* eligibility and/or OHEP* financial assistance. *Benefits program administered by the State of Maryland
An applicant, who receives a financial grant from the FFM, will be asked to pay a portion of their outstanding balance since they are the “owner” of their utility bill.
Am I Eligible?
I’m a BGE Customer and…
- I have NOT recieved a financial grant from Fuel Fund in the last 365 days
- I have completed an application with Energy Assistance since July 1st
I Use Bulk Fuel and…
- I am nearly or completely out of bulk fuel
- It is between November and March; funding is limited and on a first come, first serve basis
- I have completed an application with Energy Assistance since July 1st of this year
- I meet the income requirements
- I have not recieved help from Fuel Fund in the last 365 days
Fuel Fund can only assist with either BGE or bulk fuel once every 12 months.
Note: Fuel Fund funding model may change at anytime.
Empower the Fuel Fund of Maryland
It is a terrifying reality for a household with no power or an impending turnoff notice. That is why your support matters. You can give power to homes and hope to people in crisis with a gift to the Fuel Fund of Maryland.
Stories of Impact
The Fuel Fund is our savior. You are truly a safety net; especially for those of us who have encountered a tough situation and just don’t know what to do or where to go.
- Mrs. Johnson