Have you fallen behind on your gas bill and live in Maryland? We care about your situation and are here to help you get assistance from multiple programs offered through the federal government, state-managed programs, Washington Gas and The Salvation Army.
Please note that your first step to receive financial assistance is applying for the Maryland Energy Assistance Program. Learn more about the guidelines below.
At a Glance: Maryland Energy Assistance Programs
Maryland Energy Assistance Program (past-due billing assistance)
Utility Service Protection Program (past-due billing assistance)
EmPOWER Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (energy efficiency assistance)
Washington Area Fuel Fund (past-due billing assistance)
Weatherization Assistance Program (energy efficiency assistance)
Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
MEAP can help you pay your winter heating bills. Grants are based on family size, income and the type of fuel used for heating. You can apply for the MEAP program only once per program year, which runs from July 1-June 30. For additional information, please visit: Office of Home Energy Programs of Maryland. To apply, please visit the link below:
Learn more and apply online for MEAP. Click on Housing & Energy Assistance to start your application.
Utility Service Protection Program
The USPP protects families from utility turn-offs during the heating season. Eligibility begins the first week of November and is available to residential customers who are eligible for MEAP. Participation requires enrollment into a year-round, managed monthly budget billing program.
EmPOWER Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP)
This program administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) provides income eligible families with a no-cost professional home energy audit to identify the most effective ways to reduce your energy costs while increasing comfort. Based on the audit, a professional contractor will install weatherization measures such as weather-stripping, caulking, plastic window covering and gas furnace tune-up and replacement at no charge.
Learn more and for more information contact DHCD at 855-583-8976.
Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF)
WAFF is a partnership between Washington Gas and The Salvation Army that has assisted thousands of families in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with their fuel bills. Regardless of eligibility for other assistance programs, you may still receive help from WAFF by demonstrating proven need.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and administered by local weatherization agencies, WAP provides technical and financial assistance to help low-income renters and homeowners reduce their energy bills and maintain energy-efficient, safe and healthy homes. Through WAP, eligible families receive energy audits performed by and local contractors who also install audit-recommended energy efficiency measures. Typical weatherization measures may include insulation, duct sealing, heating, and cooling systems repairs or replacement, air infiltration mitigation, and installing ENERGY STAR ® lighting and appliances.
Eligibility is determined based on household income. All families who have received assistance any time during the last 12 months under Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Maryland Energy Assistance (MEAP) are automatically income eligible for weatherization services. Priority is given to Marylanders who are older than the age of 60, those with disabilities, those with children in the home, and households with a high energy usage and/or energy burden.
Bill Management Options
Even if you don’t qualify for the options above, you can still get help with your bill. Washington Gas offers multiple options such as the Installment Plan, Budget Plan, and Automated Payment Plan. Click the Manage My Bill button below to explore your options.
Thank you for being a Washington Gas customer.