Keeping up with energy bills is a challenge for many Maryland families. Energy assistance and weatherization assistance programs can provide support.
Eligible homeowners and renters throughout the state can qualify for both programs through either CAC or other OHEP (Office of Home Energy Programs) offices. Here’s how energy assistance and weatherization assistance differ and how local families can benefit.
What is Energy Assistance?
Energy assistance provides support to households that are facing difficulty staying current with utility bills. This helps families keep access to the power they need to heat, cool, and run their homes.
How Does Energy Assistance Work?
Through energy assistance, eligible families can:
- Receive help paying overdue utility bills
- Avoid service shut-offs
- Get utilities turned back on after a disconnection
CAC provides energy assistance to Howard County residents only, but there are other OHEP offices statewide who work with families signed up with a variety of Maryland utility providers, including:
- BGE
- PEPCO
- Delmarva Power
- Potomac Edison
- WGL
- SMECO
- Easton Utilities
- Choptank
What is Weatherization Assistance?
Weatherization assistance is different from energy assistance. Energy assistance focuses on immediate relief. Weatherization assistance helps families reduce their energy usage in the long term. It improves energy efficiency, which lowers monthly utility bills and makes your indoors more comfortable.
What Does Weatherization Assistance Include?
- Insulation and air sealing upgrades
- Repairing or replacing heating and cooling systems
- Water heater repair and replacement
- LED lighting upgrades
- And more!
These upgrades not only lower energy bills for years to come but also make your home healthier and more comfortable. CAC provides weatherization assistance in Howard County as well as many other parts of Maryland.
How Do Energy Assistance & Weatherization Assistance Work Together?
- Energy assistance helps families address financial challenges that are happening now.
- Weatherization assistance tackles the root causes of high energy bills to prevent issues down the road.
For example, a family might use energy assistance to get their power or gas turned back on. Then they would have their home weatherized, which would make future bills more affordable. Together they provide both immediate relief and long-term solutions.
Which Program Is Right for You?
Choosing between energy assistance and weatherization assistance depends on your needs. If you’re struggling to pay your utility bills or need help avoiding a shut-off, energy assistance is the right choice. It provides short-term help to manage overdue payments and keep your power on.
If your home feels drafty, your bills are unusually high, or you want to save money in the long run, weatherization assistance may be better for you. This program focuses on making your home more energy efficient to lower future energy costs.
But you don’t have to choose just one! Many families use both programs together for the best results.
Start Your Application Online Today
If you’re interested in participating in either program, you can start the process on CAC’s website:
- For energy assistance in Howard County*, click here to learn more and apply. If you apply for energy assistance through CAC, you can also apply for weatherization assistance on the same application! (*If you are a Maryland resident who lives outside Howard County, find your local OHEP here and reach out to them directly for application information.)
- For weatherization assistance from CAC, learn more about this program’s income eligibility guidelines here and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
