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Chapter 1: Program Overview

1.1 Program Background and Overview The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) oversees the administration of several energy assistance initiatives in Maryland, including the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP), the EUSP Arrearage Retirement Assistance (EARA), the Gas Arrearage Retirement Assistance (GARA), and the Crisis Grant. OHEP is also responsible for accepting applications for the Utility Service Protection Plan (USPP). A single, streamlined application is used to apply for all programs. These services are delivered through agreements or contracts with local agencies operating within each jurisdiction throughout the State of Maryland.

1.1.1 Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) The Low-Income Energy Assistance Act of 1981, Title XXVI of Public Law 97-35, along with subsequent amendments through the Human Services Reauthorization Acts of 1984 (Public Law 98-558), 1986 (Public Law 99-425), and 1990 (Public Law 101-501), as codified in 42 USCA Sections 8621-8629, authorizes the federal Department of Health and Human Services to provide grants to states to assist eligible households in reducing their home heating and/or cooling energy costs. In Maryland, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is the designated agency to receive and manage these federal funds. The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP), a division within the DHS Family Investment Administration, administers this program to help Maryland residents manage their home energy expenses. MEAP provides financial assistance to homeowners, renters, and roomers/boarders by issuing energy benefits that can be applied toward the cost of electricity, utility gas, oil, kerosene, propane, coal, wood, or solar energy subscriptions (MEAP only). To deliver services locally, DHS contracts with twenty Local Administering Agencies (LAAs), which include Departments of Social Services, Community Action Agencies, local government agencies, and other public service organizations. These agencies are selected based on their experience and capacity to administer energy assistance programs for low-income households in their jurisdictions. OHEP is responsible for distributing program funds to the LAAs, providing training and technical assistance, and monitoring program operations to ensure compliance

Updated May 2025