ATTENTION BALTIMORE CITY RESIDENTS – BEGINNING MAY 1, 2026
The Energy Stability Fund (ESF) is a targeted fund that will provide up to $1,500 in assistance to Baltimore city residents who are struggling with utility bills. Residents can visit www.bmorechildren.com or stop by a Community Action Partnership (CAP) Center to determine eligibility and apply for funding. Please note, this is not part of the Fuel Fund program and is a one-time, Baltimore City initiative that is on a first come first serve basis with prioritization to vulnerable populations.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The information below explains how the Fuel Fund of Maryland provides utility assistance, who may qualify, and what to expect if you apply.
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, BGE, or the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP).
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 besides 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
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 early once daily capacity is reached
Please note: As a nonprofit funded entirely by donations, the Fuel Fund must limit applications based on those resources.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a financial grant, you must meet ALL of the following:
- You are a BGE residential customer with an active account
- You have not received Fuel Fund assistance in the past 365 days
- Your BGE service is off or you have an active turn‑off notice.
- You have made at least four separate payments to BGE in the past 12 months
(Payments made at the same time do not count) - You are not on a payment arrearage plan with BGE
- You understand that grants are not guaranteed and depend on funding availability
- You understand that daily application limits apply
Important:
- Do not submit multiple applications
- A Fuel Fund grant will not cover your full BGE balance – you will need to make a payment
- You remain responsible for managing your BGE account
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 will always be made directly to BGE
- Explore other utility assistance options.
- Stay connected with BGE, explore options, resources, and more. Ask 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
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.
The application form is not currently open.