If you are behind on your BGE bill, have a turn-off notice, or already have no power at home, Fuel Fund of Maryland may be one place to ask for help. It is still a good idea to look at more than one option at the same time, including OHEP, BGE Here to Help, and 211 Maryland, because Fuel Fund money is limited.
What Fuel Fund of Maryland Does
Fuel Fund of Maryland is a nonprofit group that helps some households keep utility service connected. For most residents, Fuel Fund assistance is for BGE residential customers who have no power at home or have a current BGE turn-off/shut-off notice.
Fuel Fund is not BGE and is not the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). Fuel Fund does not decide your BGE balance, your OHEP eligibility, or your OHEP grant amount. If you are approved, Fuel Fund may give a grant toward your BGE bill, but the grant will not pay your full balance. You will still need to make a payment directly to BGE.
Funding is limited, and grants are not guaranteed because Fuel Fund depends on donations.
Who May Qualify
According to Fuel Fund, you must meet all of the main rules below to apply for BGE bill help:
You are a BGE residential customer with an active account.
You have not received Fuel Fund assistance in the past 365 days.
Your BGE service is already off, or you have an active turn-off/shut-off notice.
You have made at least four separate payments to BGE in the past 12 months.
You are not on a payment arrearage plan with BGE.
You understand that daily application limits apply and that grants depend on funding.
Fuel Fund says payments made at the same time do not count as separate payments. Fuel Fund also verifies your utility status with BGE, so do not say you have a shut-off notice unless you actually have one.
Power of One: This program is designed for single-parent households. It gives one-on-one help with the Fuel Fund application process.
Silver Lights: This program is for older adults age 60 and older and people with critical medical needs. It gives one-on-one support for people who may need extra help with the application process.
Traditional: This is the general Fuel Fund program for applicants who do not qualify for Power of One or Silver Lights.
For all three programs, Fuel Fund says the applicant must have no power at home or have a BGE turn-off notice.
How to Apply
Fuel Fund’s online application is for BGE residential customers only. The application link is only available during posted application hours and may close early if the daily limit is reached.
Current Fuel Fund online application schedule:
Tuesdays and Wednesdays
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (noon)
Applications are reviewed in the order received
The application closes once daily capacity is reached, so it is recommended to apply as early as possible in the day
Before you apply, gather basic information Fuel Fund may ask for, such as your name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, utility account number, Social Security number, BGE account information, and information about your current utility status.
Step 1: Check the Fuel Fund Get Help page
Go to the Fuel Fund Get Help page and read the current rules. This is important because application hours, funding, and requirements can change.
Step 2: Make sure you meet the BGE customer rules
Before applying, check that you are a BGE residential customer, have not received Fuel Fund help in the last 365 days, have no power or an active turn-off notice, and have made at least four separate payments in the last year.
Step 3: Apply during the posted hours
Go to Fuel Fund’s application page on Tuesday or Wednesday between 9:00 AM and noon. If the application is closed, try again during the next posted window.
Step 4: Watch your email
Fuel Fund says applications may take up to 5 business days to review. Check your email often, including your spam or junk folder. Follow any instructions from Fuel Fund staff carefully.
Step 5: Pay BGE directly if instructed
Fuel Fund says applicants who receive a grant will be asked to pay part of the outstanding BGE balance. Fuel Fund also says it will never ask for payment through prepaid cards, Cash App, Zelle, or similar services. Any payment should be made directly to BGE.
Other Utility Help to Try
If you are behind on your utility bill, it is a good idea to look at more than one option.
Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP):OHEP is the state program for energy assistance. Maryland DHS says the energy assistance program year runs from July 1 to June 30 each year. You can apply through DHS/OHEP and can request a paper application by calling 1-800-332-6347.
BGE Here to Help: BGE lists payment plans, budget billing, energy-saving resources, and other assistance options. Fuel Fund also tells customers who are struggling to pay to visit BGE’s Here to Help page or call BGE at 1-800-685-0123.
211 Maryland: If you need help finding local resources, you can dial 211 or visit 211md.org.
Important Reminders
Fuel Fund assistance is temporary help, not full debt forgiveness.
Fuel Fund grants are limited and are not guaranteed.
Do not submit multiple applications.
Do not use the donor contact form for utility assistance questions. Fuel Fund says utility assistance questions sent through that form will not receive a response.
Keep paying what you can toward your BGE bill. Even small payments can help show effort and reduce your balance.
Stay in contact with BGE and ask for help early. Fuel Fund lists BGE’s customer service number as 1-800-685-0123.
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