Community Resource Guide
BGE's Community Resource Guide (formerly known as "The Purple Book") is a collection of resources and information about assistance programs of all kinds – federal, state and local, as well as programs from BGE and nonprofit providers. It is available in English and Spanish.
Information about the following programs can also be found in the Community Resource Guide:
Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) and Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
EUSP is a state program that helps qualifying limited-income customers pay the electric portion of their bills. MEAP provides a grant for qualifying limited-income customers regardless of their heating source. Customers may apply for either or both programs anytime during the year. The programs provide bill payment assistance, resolution of past utility debts, and selected weatherization services to make residences more energy efficient. Call 800.352.1446 for information. EUSP and MEAP applications and brochures can be downloaded from the
Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) website.
Utility Service Protection Program (USPP)
Customers who enroll in either EUSP or MEAP are eligible to enroll in the Utility Service Protection Program. USPP provides a means for limited-income customers who qualify and comply with the payment terms of the USPP agreement to protect their utility service.
BGE offers a host of empowering choices to help you conserve energy, save money and protect the environment. Take advantage of the variety of programs, services and incentives today.
Limited Income Energy Efficiency Program
Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is now administering The EmPOWER Maryland Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP).This program helps income qualified customers with installation of energy conservation materials in their homes. The program may provide the following improvements to make your home safer, healthier and more energy efficient:
- Insulation in the attic, floors and walls;
- Hot water system improvements;
- Lighting retrofits;
- Furnace cleaning, tuning and safety repairs;
- Refrigerator retrofit, if applicable;
- Health and safety items.
If you qualify for MEAP, you may also be eligible to receive weatherization services through the Weatherization Assistance Program. Ask about weatherization when you apply for your energy assistance grant or contact your local weatherization office, at 800.638.7781, or visit them online:
Maryland Weatherization Assistance Program.
BGE partners with the Fuel Fund to make bill assistance available to eligible households. BGE provides customer-funded matching credits for customers who apply for and receive help from the Fuel Fund. For more information, including where to apply, call the Fuel Fund at 410.821.3022, or visit them online:
Fuel Fund of Maryland.
2-1-1 Maryland provides a link to community health and human service resources statewide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 150 languages. Dial 2-1-1 to find assistance when you or someone you know needs help, from child care, jobs, health care, and insurance — to emergency services to help you in times of disaster or crisis.
