Cold temps hit; Maryland offers energy bill relief
SALISBURY, Md. – As those cold temps hit, it’s time to crank up the thermostat, but as we all know, heat’s not free.
That’s why the state is helping you shrink your energy bill.
Mary Beth Tung who works for Maryland’s Energy Administration, “We have several programs. One is run through Department of Human Services and they provide bill assistance.”
Of the several state programs the state provides, the energy assistance program, or MEAP, helps low-income families pay a portion of their energy bills if customers have a past due bill of $300.
Tung said, “Obviously we like to get to folks before they get to the point where they’re behind on their electric bills.”
Before reaching out to the state, there’s some things you can do at home to minimize your bill.
Tung also says more often than not your energy provider, like Chesapeake Utilities, can set you up on a payment plan. But before you fall behind, consider adjusting your thermostat.
Jared Shelton who works for Chesapeake Utilities said, “When it comes to the heating in your home, you can lower the set point so instead of 74 degrees, you can keep it at 68 degrees,” for example.
Shelton also said, sealing your windows is super important. To do that you can place towels in the windowsill if your window leaks air and you can also replace weather stripping in your windows and doors to keep warm air in, and cold air out.
Even if you follow these steps and still are having energy issues, Tung says reach out to your energy provider or landlord.
Tung said, “I’ve heard some horror stories of people living in houses that have large gaps [in climate-controlled air] and cold air is coming in. If that’s happening you, need to contact the landlord.”
In times of emergency when you can’t reach your landlord, like power outages due to inclement weather, Maryland’s Energy Administration tells 47 ABC, community resiliency centers can always provide immediate relief.
Tung also said, “There’s places in the community that if the power goes out, the community can go into a place that is safe. They can store medication there since the power is on at those places.”
The Maryland Energy Administration also tells us if you have a serious health issue in times of emergency that requires you to have immediate access to electricity always let your energy provider know so they can prioritize you to get you the resources you need.
To find out if you qualify for the programs that provide aide to your bill, log on to dhr.maryland.gov.
