Potomac Edison provides financial assistance for low income customers through several programs. The state of Maryland and federal government have programs that help with electric, gas, and heat bills. There are other options for situations such as a medical emergency, or customers can look into payment plans and other direct aid that Potomac Edison administers. There are a number of resources that can help people who are in need of assistance due to a special situation or hardship. For more information on how to apply for help, please see the details below.
State of Maryland and federal government programs
The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) are two programs that low income Potomac Edison customers can qualify for. These programs help with energy bills and make sure everyone has access to safe and reliable energy. Both of these programs are run by the Maryland Department of Human Resources and the Office of Home Energy Programs. Please call 1-800-352-1446.
The MEAP provides programs to help with energy conservation and weatherization, as well as giving out cash grants and direct financial aid. The state government has created a program that helps families in the Potomac Edison area to save money on their energy bills and become more energy independent. The other component, a cash grant, helps low income customers pay their fuel and electric bills.
The Electric Utility Shut-off Protection (EUSP) program provides financial assistance to low-income customers who are at risk of having their electricity service disconnected. Some utility companies will help customers with their bills even if they have been disconnected or if they owe money for previous service. Other benefits may include help with making your home more energy efficient, getting rid of unpaid bills, or general help with utility bills.
The Utility Service Protection Plan is a program that helps low-income households with their utility bills. The federal government pays for this program. The Maryland Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income Potomac Edison customers pay their electric bills during the winter season.
Potomac Edison payment plans and programs
This billing plan evens out the amount you pay each month for your energy bill. You’ll pay the same amount each month, based on your average energy usage. This smooths out the highs and lows in your energy bills that happen during the winter and summer. The monthly electric bill will be based on the average usage of the previous 12 months. This service is offered for free to all customers. If you want something, just ask for it.
If you are facing a short-term hardship, you may be able to arrange a payment plan or extension. Potomac Edison is offering a program that will allow customers to have more time to pay their electric bill. However, some form of payment will still need to be made.
This allows you to extend the due date for an assignment. The Extended Due Date program allows you to extend the due date for an assignment. Families in which the primary customer is at least 60 years old and who also receive a pension or Social Security check may be qualified. Potomac Edison customers who are disabled and receive some form of government or public assistance may also be eligible for assistance. This means that if your electric bill is due before you get your monthly check, you can have the due date pushed back so that you can pay it.
An additional extension can be granted through the Military Deferred Payment Program. If you are struggling financially or behind on payments because a family member has been called to active military duty, you may be eligible for an extension.
This financial assistance program from Potomac Edison allows customers to defer paying all or part of their monthly utility or electric bill. The money will be due when the service member returns home. If you are unable to pay your bill in full, you can sign up for a payment plan. If you need assistance, please call 1-800-736-3401.
If you have a medical condition or are experiencing hardship, you can look into the Medical Certification and The Critical Customer Care Program. If a customer has a severe medical condition and is low income, they may be able to prevent their power from being disconnected if a licensed doctor has confirmed it. If you use medical equipment that is critical or life-sustaining, Potomac Edison will work with you to ensure that you are notified of power outages and may be able to help keep your power on.
The Community Energy Fund is a program that provides financial assistance to qualifying residential customers of Potomac Edison who need help paying their electric bill in a crisis. CEF is run by local non-profits, such as the Salvation Army and community action agencies, throughout the service territory.
Phone number to apply for assistance
Potomac Edison provides numerous payment plans, financial assistance programs, and other resources to help families pay for utilities such as electricity, gas, and heat. If you would like to know more information, please call 1-800-686-0011.