Customers Can Apply for Energy Assistance

SALISBURY, Md. - Customers having problems paying their energy bills can find extra help over the next several weeks. The federal government offers energy assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

LIHEAP is a block grant program, administered by the states, that assists low-income households - both homeowners and renters - with their energy bills. The application period is through March 31, 2011. There could be limited funds available, so customers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Delmarva Power is partnering with community-based organizations and social service agencies throughout Delaware and Maryland to ensure that their low-income and at-risk customers are made aware of the federal dollars available to help them with their utility bills.

Below are the program details and contact information for the respective states:

Delaware

The Delaware Energy Assistance Program assists low-income households that need help in meeting the cost of home energy used for heating and cooling their homes. The Division of State Service Centers administers this program on a contractual basis with Catholic Charities, Inc.

For more information , call Catholic Charities:

New Castle County
Phone : 302-654-9295

Kent County
Phone : 302-674-1782

Sussex County

Phone: 302-856-6310

Customers can also apply for emergency assistance funds through the Division of State Service Centers. Such funding would be used for rent, utilities and emergency shelter in order to maintain self-sufficiency and avoid homelessness.

Additional information can be found online at www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dssc/liheap.html

Maryland

The Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs administers the Maryland Energy Assistance Program and the Electric Universal Service Program, which primarily help low-income residents pay their electricity and heating bills.

Maryland residents can apply at local administering agencies. For general questions pertaining to energy assistance in Maryland, call 1-800-332-6347. The contact information for local administering agencies in Delmarva Power's service territory is:

Caroline County Dept. of Social Services

Phone: 410-819-4500

Cecil County Dept. of Social Services
Phone: 410-996-0270

Dorchester County Dept. of Social Services

Phone: 410-901-4100

Harford County Community Action Agency, Inc.

Phone: 410-612-9909

Kent County Dept. of Social Services

Phone: 410-810-7600

Queen Anne's County Dept. of Social Services

Phone: 410-758-8000

Shore Up! Inc. for Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties

Phone: 410-341-9634

Talbot County Neighborhood Service Center

Phone: 410-763-6745

Additional information can be found online at www.dhr.state.md.us/meap.

Income-eligible customers in Delaware and Maryland can also get help in paying their energy bills through Delmarva Power's Good Neighbor Energy Fund. To apply for financial assistance, customers should contact their local Salvation Army office, which administers the fund.

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Delmarva Power, a public utility owned by Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), provides safe and reliable energy to nearly 500,000 electric delivery customers in Delaware and Maryland and over 121,000 natural gas delivery customers in northern Delaware .