đź’ˇ BGE Customer Relief Fund (Starting July 1, 2025)
BGE residential customers may apply for financial assistance through the $15 million BGE Customer Relief Fund, managed by the United Way of Central Maryland. Eligible customers may receive a one-time grant of $250–$750, credited directly to their BGE account.
👉 Learn more at BGE.com/relief
⚠️ Note: The Fuel Fund of Maryland is not part of the BGE Relief Fund. Our application process remains unchanged.
🗓️ Fuel Fund Application Schedule
- Open Tuesdays & Wednesdays – see ⚠️Important Notice⚠️below
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Noon) – see ⚠️Important Notice⚠️below
- Applications are reviewed in the order received.
- Processing time: Up to 10 business days
- ⏳ The application link is only available during open hours and based on availability.
⚠️ Important Notice – Application Limits Begin June 24, 2025 ⚠️
As a nonprofit funded entirely by donations, the Fuel Fund is also impacted by rising energy costs and reduced contributions. To manage limited resources, we will cap daily applications based on available funding. If the daily limit is reached, you will see a message before submitting.
âś… Am I Eligible?
To apply for a potential grant from the Fuel Fund of Maryland, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- I am a BGE residential customer (must have an active BGE residential account).
- I have not received a Fuel Fund grant in the past 365 days.
- My BGE service is off (power has been disconnected) or I have an active turn-off notice.
- I have made at least four separate payments to my BGE account in the past 12 months.
(Note: Multiple payments made in quick succession do not count.) - I understand that Fuel Fund grants are not guaranteed and depend on available funding.
- I understand that applications are capped daily. If the limit is reached, I may not be able to apply.
📝 Important: If you qualify for potential assistance, Fuel Fund staff will guide you through the process with care. Do not submit multiple applications, as this causes delays. If awarded a grant, you will still be responsible for a portion of your BGE bill. A Fuel Fund grant will not cover your full balance—you are responsible for managing your BGE account.
👉 Take action now: Explore additional forms of possible assistance at bge.com/heretohelp
⏳ What to Do While Your Application Is Being Reviewed
Step 1: Remember, a Fuel Fund grant will not cover your full BGE balance. Explore other support options at bge.com/heretohelp
Step 2: Check your email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and instructions.
Step 3: Once you receive an email from the Fuel Fund, read and follow all instructions carefully. Failure to do so may delay the help you are seeking.
đź’¬ About Our Funding Model
Founded in 1981, the Fuel Fund of Maryland is a nonprofit organization that relies entirely on donations. We do not receive federal, state, local and/or government funding. Our assistance model may change based on available resources. The Fuel Fund is independent of BGE and the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP).
đź§ Additional Resources
High BGE Balance but No Shutoff Notice?
If you do not qualify for Fuel Fund assistance, contact the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) at 1-800-332-6347 for help with other available resources as well as bge.com/heretohelp
📌 Applicant Code of Responsibility
The Fuel Fund of Maryland provides financial grants thanks to the generosity of our donors. However, it is your responsibility to manage and pay your BGE bill. Our role is to offer temporary financial assistance—not full debt forgiveness.
Please remember:
- You must actively contribute to reducing your balance with BGE.
- Once you receive instructions from the Fuel Fund, follow them carefully and in a timely manner.
- Do not submit multiple applications or use alternate communication channels unless directed.
- Failure to follow instructions may result in delays or denial of assistance.
đź’ˇ Be Proactive
👉 Visit bge.com/heretohelp to explore:
- Payment plans
- Budget billing
- Energy-saving tools
- Additional support programs