Offers 4 types of grants to prevent gas and electric shutoffs and to restore gas and electric service to PG County households.

MEAP: Provides financial assistance with home heating bills.

EUSP: Provides assistance that pays a portion of a client's electric bills. Customers who receive EUSP are placed on a budget billing plan with their utility company. The electric bill must be in the name of the person who applies for this assistance.

Arrearage Retirement Assistance for Gas: Assists with large, past due gas bills with payments of up to $2000. Customers must have a past due bill of $300 or greater to be considered eligible. Customers may only receive an arrearage grant once every seven years, with certain exceptions.

Arrearage Retirement Assistance for Electric: Assists with large, past due electric bills with payments of up to $2000. Customers must have a past due bill of $300 or greater to be considered eligible. Customers may only receive an arrearage grant once every seven years, with certain exceptions.

USPP: Protects low-income families from utility turn-offs during the heating season. All MEAP eligible customers may participate in USPP. Participation also requires the client to participate in year-round even monthly budget billing. Failure to make consecutive payments may result in removal from USPP.

NOTE: OHEP also provides information about the Weatherization program (see separate listing).

Income Guidelines FY 2026 

 https://dhs.maryland.gov/documents/OHEP/Advisory%20Board/Income-Guidelines-FY2026-Updated-7.9.2025.pdf