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with federal and state requirements. These requirements are detailed in the State LAA contract, the OHEP Operations Manual, the annual State LIHEAP and EUSP Operations Plan, and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). 1.1.2 Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) was established under the Electric Customer Choice and Competition Act of 1999, Section 7-512.1 of the Public Utilities Article, to assist electric utility customers whose annual household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. EUSP is a State of Maryland program administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) through the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). The program is designed to help eligible low-income households manage their electric utility costs through the following services: 1. Assistance with Current Electric Bills EUSP provides a benefit to help cover a portion of the household’s current electric bill. This benefit can be divided into 12 monthly bill credits applied over the course of a year or issued as a lump sum payment upon the customer’s request.

2. Assistance with Past Due Electric Bills If a household has unpaid electric bills and does not qualify for, or has exhausted, arrearage assistance funds—or if the outstanding balance exceeds the available arrearage grant—the EUSP benefit can be applied as a lump sum to reduce the past due balance.

The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) provides program oversight and submits an annual report to the Maryland General Assembly detailing program operations and outcomes. 1.1.3 Arrearage Retirement Assistance Programs The Arrearage Retirement Assistance programs are designed to help eligible customers reduce or eliminate large, past-due electric and gas bills. Qualified applicants may receive a one-time grant of up to the maximum allowable amount under the Electric Arrearage Retirement Assistance (EARA) and Gas Arrearage Retirement Assistance (GARA) programs.

Updated May 2025