Annapolis, MD — Governor Wes Moore today joined Maryland utility providers and nonprofit partners to announce the launch of the Customer Relief Fund, which will provide a total of $19 million in relief for limited- and middle-income ratepayers in Maryland amidst nationwide energy cost increases. The funds donated by utility parent company Exelon will be administered through local nonprofit partners across the BGE, Pepco, and Delmarva Power service areas in Maryland.
“Not a day goes by without me hearing from Marylanders about their real and justified concerns over steep bill increases. We need to work together to get them relief — and today, we are taking new actions to achieve exactly that,” said Gov. Moore. “We are thankful to have BGE and United Way of Central Maryland at the table. But while this is an important step forward, it will not be the last. Marylanders are counting on us to put the interests of the people first.”
Governor Moore Announces $19 Million in Relief for Limited- and Middle-Income Energy Ratepayers in Maryland
The Customer Relief Fund is a temporary, one-time assistance program designed to help ratepayers bearing the brunt of increasing energy supply costs. The fund will be administered through trusted local nonprofit organizations to ensure that aid is distributed efficiently while targeting communities in need.
The United Way of Central Maryland will administer $15 million for BGE customers; the Salvation Army will administer $2.5 million for Pepco customers; and the Harford Community Action Agency, the Salvation Army, and Shore UP! will administer $1.5 million for Delmarva Power customers. Approved one-time grants will range between $250 and $750 for BGE ratepayers, and up to $300 for Pepco and Delmarva Power ratepayers.
Details regarding administration of the fund, including eligibility and disbursement of relief, will vary by operating company and its alliance with local nonprofits. Ratepayers are encouraged to visit the websites of their local energy companies to learn more about eligibility, and how to secure local support.
“Exelon understands that the impact of supply costs is extremely stressful for low- and middle-income customers – which includes many seniors, small business owners and families affected by federal layoffs,” said Exelon President and Chief Executive Officer Calvin Butler. “The Customer Relief Fund, in addition to our existing year-round programs supporting customers with energy assistance, once again demonstrates Exelon’s commitment to our communities as we continue our work with federal, state and local officials developing long-term solutions that ensures customers affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.”
“At BGE, we recognize the real and growing challenges our customers face due to rising energy costs,” said BGE President and Chief Executive Officer Tamla Olivier. “The BGE Customer Relief Fund reflects our deep commitment to supporting the communities we serve. Thanks to Exelon’s generous donation and our partnership with United Way of Central Maryland, we’re able to provide immediate, meaningful assistance to those who need it most—while continuing to work toward long-term solutions for energy affordability.”
“For 100 years, United Way of Central Maryland has helped people across Greater Baltimore, providing essential support when it’s needed most,” said United Way of Central Maryland President and Chief Executive Officer Franklyn Baker. “As summer heat intensifies and energy costs rise, we’re proud to serve as administrator of BGE’s Customer Relief Fund that will help keep the power on for our neighbors in need. This means a mom in Dundalk doesn’t have to choose between paying the electric bill or putting food on the table. It means older adults in Westminster can stay safe and cool during heat waves. And it means kids in Columbia can get a warm dinner or a cool beverage thanks to a working stove or fridge.”
“Pepco has deep community roots, and we’re committed to standing by our customers and helping them stay connected to the essential energy service we provide,” said Pepco Holdings Chief Executive Officer Tyler Anthony. “The Customer Relief Fund offers immediate assistance with higher energy bills as we continue to work on long-term solutions with state and local officials”
“Every person and family in Maryland deserves to live with dignity and respect, without consistent stress over critical needs like how to keep your electricity on,” said Salvation Army National Capital Area Commander Major Wilma Mason. “This Customer Relief Fund will go a long way toward fulfilling this vision today, and The Salvation Army is proud to continue our work with Pepco to make it a sustainable reality over the long term.”
The Moore-Miller Administration has focused on decreasing energy costs for Marylanders by advancing more sustainable, equitable, and affordable energy solutions. In May, the governor joined Exelon President and Chief Executive Officer Calvin Butler at the Accenture International Utilities and Energy Conference in Washington D.C. to discuss innovative ways to increase energy demand. In April, the governor signed the Next Generation Energy Act into law to modernize the state’s energy infrastructure; promote more in-state generation; and provide direct relief to Maryland families through a $200 million electricity bill credit.
