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Plan and the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) Operations Plan are made available to the public on the OHEP website annually. Monthly program participation data is also available on the OHEP website. Submission of Comments and Requests for Notifications Individuals or organizations wishing to receive notifications about upcoming public hearings or submit written comments regarding planning documents, policies, and procedures may direct their correspondence to: Office of Home Energy Programs Attn: Director 25 South Charles Street Baltimore, Maryland 21201-3330 1.5 Eligibility Eligibility for OHEP programs primarily depends on income and responsibility for home energy costs. Income guidelines are established by legislation and are based on the federal poverty level, as updated annually by the federal government. For the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), income guidelines may be set at up to 60% of the state’s median income or 200% of the federal poverty level. Each year, Maryland publishes a plan that specifies the income guidelines for MEAP. For the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP), eligibility is based on household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, as set by legislation. OHEP publishes these criteria in its annual EUSP Plan, which is submitted to the Maryland Public Service Commission. Categorical Eligibility Households with a member who receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, cash assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or means-tested veterans benefits are automatically eligible to receive OHEP benefits, provided they are responsible for paying utility costs, per HB 0323 [https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0323/?ys=2023rs]. Income-Based Eligibility For households that do not meet Categorical Eligibility, income must be verified. The total gross income received by the household in the 30 days prior to the application date must be submitted and reviewed. To qualify, the household’s gross income during this period must be less than or equal to the established poverty level.

Updated May 2025