By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer
msayles@afro.com
As energy prices climb, Marylanders facing high utility bills may be eligible for aid. Applications are now open for the Customer Relief Fund, a temporary, one-time assistance program funded by Exelon for low- to moderate-income households served by BGE, Pepco and Delmarva Power.
Credit: Photo by Johnny McNeil on Unsplash
The initiative will deliver a total of $19 million in relief to Maryland residents. Nicholas Alexopulos, spokesperson for BGE, noted that the fund comes at a time when electricity bills are expected to increase this summer due to higher energy supply costs and rising demand.
“BGE is committed to our communities and understands that customers are struggling with economic uncertainty and higher costs of life essentials, from child care to housing, food, energy and more,” said Alexopulos. “This is especially challenging for our most vulnerable customers.”
The Customer Relief Fund is being administered through local nonprofit organizations in the geographic footprints of BGE, Pepco and Delmarva Power to ensure the money can be allocated equitably and efficiently.
For BGE customers, the United Way of Central Maryland is distributing $15 million, dispersing one-time grants ranging from $250 to $750. The Salvation Army is allocating $2.5 million to Pepco customers who are eligible for up to $300. The Harford Community Action Agency, Shore UP! and the Salvation Army are delivering $1.5 million to customers who are also eligible for up to $300.
Alexopulos said the fund was part of BGE’s broader pledge to support affordability as households grapple with rising electricity prices.
“Long-term, ongoing partnership across sectors is critical to addressing the state of Maryland’s energy challenges, and BGE will continue to work with legislators and the Maryland Public Service Commission to build a resilient and sustainable energy landscape that serves every customer,” said Alexopulos.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, retail electricity prices have outpaced inflation since 2022— a trend that’s expected to continue through 2026. In May, the agency reported that electricity prices in the Pacific, Mid-Atlantic and New England regions may increase more than the national average, which was $1,760 in 2023.
At the announcement of the Customer Relief Fund on June 12, Gov. Wes Moore signaled that there will be a continued effort to reduce the strain of rising electricity prices on Maryland families.
“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 Moore in a June press release. “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.”
BGE customers interested in learning more about the fund or applying for it can visit BGE.com/relief or call 800-685-0123.
Great Job Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer & the Team @ AFRO American Newspapers Source link for sharing this story.
