Attention OHEP Customers:
Fridays are reserved for crisis assistance only. A crisis includes having a utility shut-off notice, utility service already disconnected, or low/no heating fuel.
If you are not experiencing an energy crisis, please visit us on the next business day.
For assistance, email OHEP@smtccac.org or call (301) 274-4474 (Option #1).
MEAP
The Maryland Assistance Program provides grants to assist with home heating bills. Payments are made to fuel suppliers and utility companies on behalf of the customer. MEAP is available to all income eligible Maryland heating customers, both homeowners and renters, including roomer or boarder, regardless of whether you pay your heating costs.
MEAP also offers the Utility Service Protection Program (USPP). This program provides eligible households access to an even monthly payment program and protection from turnoffs.
EUSP
The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) provides financial assistance with electric bills. Eligible customers receive help that pays a portion of their current electric bills. Customers who receive EUSP are placed on a budget billing plan with their utility company. Budget Billing is a tool that utility companies provide to help spread out year annual utility bills into even monthly payments to avoid spikes in your bill caused by seasonal fluctuations in energy use. Please check with your utility company on eligibility requirements and budget billing policy.
Arrearage
Arrearage Retirement Assistance helps customers with large, past due electric and gas bills. If eligible, customers may receive a grant for up to $2,000 towards their past due bill. Customers must have a past due bill of $300 or greater to be considered eligible. Customers may only receive an arrearage grant once every five years, with certain exceptions. Arrearage grants received between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021 will not count towards the five-year limitation.
Alert: Updated Hours of Operation for Energy Assistance
Please note the hours of operation for Energy Assistance are now from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Ensure to visit during these times for assistance.
USPP
The Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) is designed to protect low-income families from utility turn-offs during the heating season. All MEAP eligible customers may participate in USPP. Participation also requires a year-round even monthly budget billing. Failure to make consecutive payments may result in removal from USPP.
SMTCCAC, Inc. is the local administering agency of Maryland State Office of Home Energy Programs for Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's County.
The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) provides bill assistance to
low-income households in the State of Maryland
Income Eligibility Limits
Effective July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026