On November 6, 2026, Gov. Wes Moore announced that Maryland is assisting a record number of families with home energy bills as colder temperatures approach. The Maryland Department of Human Services’ Office of Home Energy Program served nearly 150,000 households in fiscal year 2026, reflecting a 17% increase in households served compared to the previous year.

According to the release, the state distributed nearly $186 million in assistance, marking a 42% increase in total assistance compared to fiscal year 2025. The winter crisis season for energy assistance runs from November 1 through March 31.

Press Release: Maryland Department of Human Services

Published November 6, 2026. Reproduced in full from the Maryland Department of Human Services.

Governor Moore Touts Programs Delivering Relief From High Energy Prices to Record Number of Maryland Families

ANNAPOLIS, MD: As colder temperatures arrive and energy costs continue to put pressure on household budgets, Gov. Wes Moore today announced that Maryland is helping a record number of families access critical assistance to pay their home energy bills. Through the Maryland Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Office of Home Energy Program (OHEP), the state served nearly 150,000 households in fiscal year 2026.

With energy costs rising nationwide, the need for assistance continues to grow. Through Sept. 30, OHEP has seen a 17% increase in households served compared to the same period last year, underscoring the importance of connecting families with resources to help keep their homes warm and their lights on.

“Every Marylander deserves to feel safe and comfortable in their own home, but we know that rising energy costs are putting real pressure on families across our state, especially as temperatures drop,” said Gov. Moore. “Our administration is tackling Maryland family energy bills on every front, from delivering direct relief to Maryland ratepayers to holding utility companies accountable and expanding access to assistance for families who need it. We are proud to see our efforts are helping more Marylanders than ever through these programs and we will continue to deliver real relief through this Winter and beyond.”

In FY 2025, OHEP distributed more than $131 million in assistance, serving 131,396 households through its two primary energy assistance programs: the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP). In FY 2026, these programs served 148,632 households, distributing nearly $186 million in assistance. This represents an increase of more than 17,000 households, or 13%, and a 42% increase in total assistance distributed.

To help more Marylanders access these critical resources, DHS is also working to make the application process easier and faster. Through the Maryland Benefits One Application, residents can now use a simplified application designed to make applying for and renewing benefits, including energy assistance, easier.

In addition, DHS has enhanced automated data matching to seamlessly connect households already receiving benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) with energy assistance programs.

“Behind every one of these numbers is a Maryland household that received critical assistance to keep the lights on and their family warm this Winter,” said acting Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Stacy L. Rodgers. “OHEP is working every day to reach more eligible Marylanders and connect them with resources to help pay their heating and electric bills. We want every Marylander to know that help is available and that no one should have to face the winter without access to the support they need.”

OHEP’s winter crisis season runs from Nov. 1 through March 31. During this period, eligible households experiencing a heating crisis may qualify for a one-time grant of up to $600 to help restore heat. Marylanders experiencing a heating emergency should contact their local OHEP office to learn more about available assistance.

The increased reach of Maryland’s energy assistance programs is part of the Moore-Miller administration’s broader commitment to lowering energy costs for everyday Marylanders and holding accountable those driving up utility bills. Over the past two years, the administration has helped deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in direct energy bill relief to Maryland families, including $200 million in direct rebates to ratepayers last year, $100 million in direct relief through the Utility RELIEF Act, and increased energy assistance for approximately 200,000 households this summer.

“As a former customer, I know firsthand that the assistance we offer can provide a vital lifeline to Marylanders as the seasons change and budgets stretch,” said OHEP Executive Director Dr. Rigel Moore. “We will continue to step up to meet customers’ increased needs across the state, and I hope Marylanders will visit our website to check their eligibility for assistance.”

Marylanders struggling with home energy costs are encouraged to apply for assistance through OHEP. Both homeowners and renters may qualify, with eligibility primarily based on household size and income.

For more information about MEAP and EUSP eligibility, application requirements, and how to apply, visit the OHEP website.