In recognition of National Energy Assistance Day on Wednesday, February 1, Columbia Gas of Maryland is reminding customers that many assistance programs are available to help with energy bills and paying down past-due balances.
"Ensuring that customers stay safe and warm in their homes is essential,” said Deborah Davis, Columbia Gas Universal Services Manager. "Terminating service is always a last resort for Columbia Gas. We urge customers who may find themselves falling behind on their energy bills to contact us to explore the wide array of programs that can be utilized to keep customers connected.”
Among the programs available to help customers in need are:
Expanded Payment Plans
Columbia Gas is offering an expanded number of flexible payment plans to residential and commercial customers to help spread the balance due on their natural gas bills across multiple months. More information can be found on our website at www.columbiagasmd.com/paymentplans.
Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
Columbia Gas serves as a link to federal energy assistance funds which provide help with residential heating costs. These energy grants do not have to be repaid by the customer. Enrollment guidelines, which are revised each new heating season, are based on household size and income. MEAP applications are accepted year-round. Call our MEAP hotline at 1-800-272-2714 for more information.
Gas Arrearage Retirement Assistance (GARA)
This federal program offers assistance with up to $2,000 toward past due bills. Eligible households are eligible for assistance once every five years. To learn more, please visit dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs or call 1-800-272-2714.
Utility Service Protection Program (USPP)
USPP protects families with low incomes from utility cut-offs and allows MEAP eligible households to enter into a monthly payment program to help stabilize energy bills. MEAP grants are deducted from the estimated annual utility bills, lowering monthly budget payments. For households with back bills, special agreements with Columbia Gas are available to arrange for payment on the balance. For more information, please visit dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/.
Heat Share
The Columbia Gas of Maryland Fuel Fund provides energy grants to customers with low incomes for use in offsetting arrears or restoring service to terminated accounts. Heat Share funds are only available to customers who have exhausted all other available energy assistance programs.
Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP)
This weatherization program helps to reduce bills by sealing areas where heat escapes. It assists income-eligible customers who have high gas usage reduce how much energy they use. Please call 1-800-537-7431 to learn more.
For more information on billing options and payment assistance, visit www.columbiagasmd.com/assistance or call 1-888-460-4332.
In addition to our payment assistance options, Columbia Gas provides information on energy-efficiency to help lower energy usage and bills. Visit www.columbiagasmd.com/energytips for to learn about ways to save energy.
