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ENERGY ASSISTANCE

ENERGY ASSISTANCE

Maryland, Virginia and D.C. Energy Assistance

Washington Gas is committed to helping customers stay safe and warm through the winter. We know that no matter how mild or severe the winter weather may be, energy costs can strain household budgets.

To help Maryland, Virginia and D.C. residents prepare for the upcoming heating season, we have compiled important information about energy efficiency, conservation and energy assistance.

Customers who have difficulty paying their natural gas bills should contact Washington Gas at 844-WASHGAS as soon as possible to learn about alternative payment plans.

Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF):

Founded by Washington Gas and administered by The Salvation Army, the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) helps families who do not qualify for, or who have exhausted, government energy assistance. WAFF pays for all types of fuel to heat families’ homes during the winter season. Washington Gas pays the administrative fees so 100 percent of WAFF contributions go to those who need assistance. WAFF is Washington Gas’ signature philanthropic program.

An unforeseen financial crisis brought on by an accident, medical problem or loss of income can cause a family to face a winter without heat. It might be a family with children or a senior citizen who must choose between food and warmth. When all other government assistance has run out, or simply is not available, WAFF is the last safety net.

Since WAFF’s inception in 1983, nearly $26 million has helped 281,000 residents in the Washington metropolitan region. WAFF relies heavily on the kindness and generosity of our neighbors to help provide heating assistance.

WAFF assistance is available annually between January 1 and May 31 through The Salvation Army’s 12 area offices. For more information or to apply for assistance, visit http://waffhelp.org/ to receive details on the location and phone number for the office in your area.

To learn more about WAFF, click here.

  • District of Columbia Residents

    If you or someone you know is having difficulty paying a natural gas bill, please contact the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) at 311 or online to determine eligibility for the following programs. While eligibility for most programs depends on household size and total household income, other factors may apply depending on the program.

    Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):

    Through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the federal government distributes funds to the District of Columbia, who then gives grants to qualified applicants to help them pay their energy bills. Eligibility factors include household size, total household income, heating source and type of dwelling.

    How to apply for LIHEAP:

    • LIHEAP emergency assistance: If your gas HAS been disconnected, visit one of the DOEE's Energy Centers, listed below. No appointment is necessary.
    • LIHEAP non-emergency assistance: If you r gas has NOT been disconnected, call DOEE at 311 to schedule an appointment.

     

    Residential Essential Service (RES) Program:

    Through the Residential Essential Service (RES) Program, eligible Washington, D.C. residents may qualify for a discount on a portion of the natural gas they use during the winter heating season from November 1 to April 30. To be eligible for the RES discount, residents must use natural gas as the principal source for home heating and be certified by DOEE as eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Once certified, eligible customers may participate in the RES program for one heating season and must reapply annually.

    Apply for the RES program and other utility discount programs by visiting one of DOEE’s Energy Centers (no appointment is necessary).

    DOEE Energy Center Locations:

    • Wards 1-6:
      1207 Taylor Street, NW
      Washington, DC 20011
    • Wards 6-8:
      2100 Martin Luther King Jr.  Ave., SE
      Washington, DC 20020

     

    Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP):

    Funded by the Department of Energy (DOE), the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides technical and financial assistance to help low-income residents reduce their energy bills. WAP performs energy audits and installs audit recommended energy efficiency measures to help families maintain energy-efficient, safe, healthy homes. The program is administered through selected community-based organizations that hire local contractors to install the energy efficiency measures recommended by the energy audit.

    Typical weatherization measures may include: insulation, duct sealing, heating and cooling systems repairs or replacement, air infiltration mitigation and reducing electric base load consumption through measures such as energy efficient lighting and appliances.

    For more information, contact DOEE at 311 or online.

  • Maryland Residents

    If you or someone you know is having difficulty paying a natural gas bill, please call the Office of Home Energy Programs at the Maryland Department of Human Resources at 800-352‑1446 or your local energy offices below. You can also visit the state’s website.


    Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP):

    The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), federally funded through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), assists eligible customers in paying their winter heating bills. Grants are based on family size, income and the fuel type used for heating. Applicants are eligible to apply for the MEAP program only once each program year (July 1 - May 31).

    Customers must complete applications for the MEAP in their county.

    Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s Counties Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee, Inc.

    8371 Leonardtown Rd.
    P.O. Box 280
    Hughesville, MD 20637
    800-255-5313

    Frederick County Department of Social Services

    100 East All Saints St.
    P.O. Box 237
    Frederick, MD 21701
    301-600-2410

    Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services

    1301 Piccard Dr.
    Rockville, MD 20850
    240-777-4450

    Prince George’s County Department of Social Services

    425 Brightseat Rd.
    Landover, MD 20785
    301-909-6300


    Utility Service Protection Program (USPP):

    The Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) begins the first week of November and is available to residential customers who are eligible for MEAP aid. With USPP, customers receive a natural gas bill for the same amount each month throughout the year. Payment plans for customers depend on natural gas usage from the previous year and the outstanding balance owed on a customer’s gas bill.

    For more information about the energy assistance programs above, call the Office of Home Energy Programs at the Maryland Department of Human Resources at 800-352-1446 or visit www.dhr.maryland.gov/ohep.


    EmPOWER Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP):

    This program provides home weatherization services like weather-stripping, caulking, plastic window covering and gas furnace tune-up and replacement, at no cost to eligible families. Repairs and upgrades to a home can significantly reduce energy use throughout the year, which can give you a more comfortable home, lower monthly power bills, and improve air quality and family health. Maryland's EmPOWER Program helps low-income households with installation of materials and equipment at no charge. For more information or to apply, contact the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development at 855-583-8976 or visit http://www.dhcd.maryland.gov/empower.

  • Virginia Residents

    If you or someone you know is having difficulty paying a natural gas bill, please consider the following information:


    Virginia Energy Assistance Program (VEAP):

    The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (VEAP), federally funded through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), assists eligible customers in paying their heating and cooling bills. VEAP is comprised of three components: fuel assistance, crisis assistance and cooling assistance. Eligibility factors include household size, total household income, heating source and home type.

    To determine eligibility, obtain an application or receive more information about VEAP, call the Virginia Department of Social Services’ Statewide Information and Referral Network at 211 or 800-230-6977. You also may visit 211virginia.org.


    Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP):

    The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides funds for qualifying families to help finance repairs and improvements to home heating and cooling systems and covers the cost of installing energy-saving measures in the home. The goal of the program is to increase the energy efficiency of housing occupied by low-income persons and reduce their total residential energy expenditures. However, this program does not offer assistance with paying utility bills.

    For more information, contact the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) at 804-371-7000 or visit www.dhcd.virginia.gov. DHCD does not provide application forms and does not accept applications directly. Visit the Weatherization Providers Listing to find a list of local agencies that service the city or county in which you live. 

    Virginia Low Income Energy Audit & Weatherization Program

    The Virginia Low-Income Energy Audit and Weatherization Program is designed to reduce heating and water heating costs for income-qualifying families in Washington Gas’ Virginia service territory by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. The program provides energy efficiency services for affordable housing units in multifamily complexes and single-family homes. 

    Washington Gas works with Community Housing Partners, a not-for-profit organization based in Virginia, to deliver this program to customers. To see if you qualify, call 1-888-229-3714 or email our program administrator, Community Housing Partners at utility@chpc2.org. 

    Eligibility Requirements

    Available Measures

    Based on presence of gas-fired space heating appliance(s) and/or gas-fired water heating appliance(s), typical measures may include but are not limited to the following:

    • Customer Educational Materials
    • Water Heater Tank Insulation
    • Water Pipe Insulation
    • Showerheads
    • Bathroom & Kitchen Faucet Aerators
    • Weather-stripping & Door Sweeps
    • Furnace Filter Installation & Replacements
    • Duct Sealing
    • Attic Insulation
    • Furnace Clean & Tune

     

  • Additional Information (All States)

    Below are some energy saving tips from Washington Gas to help you maximize your energy savings:

    • Caulk and weather-strip windows and doors.
    • To help keep cold air out, use plastic sheeting installed on the inside of your windows.
    • Set thermostats comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer.
    • Consider installing a programmable thermostat.
    • Check dampers in unused fireplaces and close them if they are open.
    • Check the temperature on your water heater and set it to Warm or Low, never more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Wash full loads of laundry in cold water, using specially formulated cold-water detergents.
    • Look for the Energy Star label when buying new appliances.
    • Have your heating systems thoroughly inspected annually by a licensed contractor.

    Helpful Energy Resources

    Alliance to Save Energy
    D.C. Energy Hotline: 311
    U.S. Department of Energy
    Maryland Department of Human Resources: 800-352-1446
    Virginia Department of Social Services    : 211 or 800-230-6977