The graphic and information below explains how the Fuel Fund of Maryland provides utility assistance grants, who may qualify, and what to expect if you apply.
Step 1: Understanding the Utility Assistance Process
🚂 You are the engine.
You drive the process by taking ownership of your BGE account, seeking financial assistance when needed, providing information, and completing required steps.
🚃 First Car: BGE
BGE is available to help you at any time with payment options/arrangements, billing questions, energy assistance information, and account support. Before applying to the Fuel Fund, please contact BGE to discuss available options. BGE Customer Service: 1-800-685-0123.
🚃 Second Car: OHEP (Office of Home Energy Programs)
OHEP is Maryland’s primary energy assistance program and may be able to provide grants and other support to help with utility bills. Apply for OHEP here: https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/
Watch a 1-minute video to learn about OHEP and how to apply. Very informative!
🚃 Caboose: Fuel Fund of Maryland
The Fuel Fund of Maryland serves as a safety net for households that still need financial assistance after exploring available options through BGE and OHEP. Eligibility requirements apply, and assistance is not guaranteed.
Our financial assistance model is designed to support households while encouraging shared responsibility and responsible use of donor contributions. If approved for a Fuel Fund grant, applicants are expected to make a payment toward their utility bill. You will receive clear information about this requirement before any financial grant is issued.
Important: The Fuel Fund of Maryland is a nonprofit organization. We are not affiliated with the State of Maryland – Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) or BGE.
Step 2: Explore Additional Utility Assistance Resources
We encourage all households to explore every available financial option for potential utility help. There are many resources for potential utility assistance as well as the Fuel Fund. Click here for more information.
Important Reminder: Keep Paying Your BGE Bill
✔️ Continue to make payments – even small payments help
✔️ Stay in regular contact with BGE
✔️ Ask BGE for help early. Don’t wait! Call: 1-800-685-0123
Step 3: Understanding Fuel Fund Online Application Schedule
- Tuesdays & Wednesdays
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Noon)
- Applications are reviewed in the order received
- The application link is only available during posted hours
- Applications will close once daily capacity is reached
- Fuel Fund will verify your utility status with BGE
Please note: As a nonprofit funded entirely by donations, the Fuel Fund must limit applications to be fair and equitable.
Step 4: Quick Eligibility Check List
Before applying, please confirm that all of the following are true:
✅ I have applied for State Utility Assistance (OHEP).
BGE customers with active service may be eligible for a 55-day payment extension through OHEP. Disconnected accounts are not eligible for an extension. Please ask OHEP about available options when you apply.
✅ I am a BGE residential customer with an active utility account.
✅ I have not received Fuel Fund assistance within the past 365 days.
✅ My BGE service is currently off or I have an active shut-off notice.
✅ I have made at least four separate payments to BGE within the past 365 days.
All payment history is verified with BGE. Payments made at the same time, multiple quick payments, or assistance payments from OHEP, nonprofits, churches, or other organizations do not count.
✅ I am not enrolled in a BGE arrearage payment plan.
📌 Important Information
Please keep the following in mind before submitting your application:
📌 Grants are not guaranteed and depend on available funding.
📌 Daily application limits apply.
📌 The Fuel Fund of Maryland is an independent nonprofit organization.
📌 The Fuel Fund does not receive federal, state, or local government funding.
📌 Fuel Fund will verify your account and utility status. Applications that do not meet eligibility requirements will be denied.
📌 Do not submit multiple applications.
📌 A Fuel Fund grant will not cover your entire BGE balance. You will still be expected to make a payment toward your account.
📌 You remain responsible for managing your BGE account and service.
Step 5: While Your Application Is Being Reviewed
- A Fuel Fund grant will not pay your full balance – you will need to make a payment as well
- Check your email regularly (including spam/junk folders)
- Carefully follow all instructions sent by Fuel Fund staff
- The Fuel Fund will never ask for payment via prepaid cards, Cash App, Zelle, or similar services
- Any payment you are asked to make will always be made directly to BGE
- Explore other utility assistance options.
- Stay connected with BGE, explore options, resources, and more. Ask BGE for help: 1-800-685-0123.
Application Technical Issues
If you experience errors, a message that says, “critical error”, or cannot submit your application, try:
- Switching browsers
- Clearing cache and cookies
- Using a private/incognito window
- Updating your browser
- Trying a different device or internet connection
Most issues are resolved using one of these steps.
About the Fuel Fund of Maryland
Founded in 1981, the Fuel Fund of Maryland is a nonprofit organization that does its best, with limited funds, to keep households connected.
- Funded entirely by private donations
- No federal, state, or local government funding
- Independent of BGE and OHEP
Step 6: Applicant Responsibility
Fuel Fund assistance is temporary support, not full debt forgiveness, and is made possible through donor contributions.
By applying, you agree to:
- Actively work to reduce your BGE balance
- Follow all application instructions promptly and carefully
- Use the Fuel Fund application communication system for all questions and updates related to your application
- Avoid submitting multiple applications or contacting Fuel Fund staff through phone calls, emails, social media, or other channels unless specifically directed to do so
To ensure timely and equitable processing for all applicants, communications submitted outside of the application system will not receive a response.
Failure to follow instructions may result in delays or denial of assistance.
Before you Start – Please Note:
All information is verified with BGE. False, incomplete, or inaccurate information may delay processing or result in denial of assistance.
The application form is not currently open.