Baby, it?s cold outside. And many Marylanders are struggling to keep it warm inside, too.
Marylanders needing energy assistance can turn to several sources for help, but should first consult the state Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) at 1-800-352-1446/1-800-925-4434 (hearing impaired) or its Web site to determine programs and requirements.
For OHEP’s Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), which helps eligible Marylanders with heating bills, income eligibility requirements apply, but there also are six categories of circumstance that may automatically qualify someone for MEAP.
Those qualifying for MEAP automatically are eligible for Citizens Energy Corp.’s 100 gallons of free heating oil (or kerosene) program, and need only apply for it through their heating oil provider. Those not eligible for MEAP may qualify for the free heating oil program if their household income is at or below 60 percent of their area’s median family income. Call 1-877-563-4645 to apply.
The Fuel Fund of Maryland is an area nonprofit that helps some 6,000 qualifying families statewide who either are not eligible for MEAP or who have exhausted their MEAP assistance. The fund pays up to two-thirds of a client’s back energy bills once a year. It accepts donations, is located at 305 W. Chesapeake Ave., Suite 115, Baltimore, and can be reached at 410-821-3022.
