Fuel Fund of Maryland

The Fuel Fund of Maryland serves as a vital, non-governmental component of the social safety net delivering flexibility through independence, accountability through sound governance, and quality service delivery through more than three decades of experience. The immediate impact of Fuel Fund assistance is for a family struggling to afford a utility bill (with a household income at or below 200-percent of poverty) and their ability to keep their lights on and heating and cooling systems operational. The support we provide is a benefit to the community at large. Our help prevents fires, enables children to have cooked meals and do their homework; frees up resources to pay rent, supports life-saving medications, and even saves money toward a household's next utility bill.through the utility assistance department, the Fuel Fund of Maryland provides financial and community resources to low-income marylanders to keep their power safely connected during times of financial crisis. Beyond direct financial assistance, an important component of Fuel Fund support is the distribution of energy credits. Bge currently makes available nearly $2.3 million in ratepayer-funded credits, which are administered by the Fuel Fund. At the rate of $.50 for every $1 of private money paid on a bill, the Fuel Fund applies the credits to the bge customer's bill at the time of cash assistance approval. The advantage created by these credits has directly resulted in morehouseholds being served. For example, the Fuel Fund can satisfy a $300 bill by leveraging $100 in cash, with bge bill credits, other charitable contributions on the client's behalf, and payments by the client. The Fuel Fund of Maryland is the only organization in the state of Maryland that can leverage bge ratepayer-funded credits.marylanders with incomes below 50 percent of the federal poverty level pay nearly 40 percent of their income for home energy, whereas 6 percent is considered affordable. Home energy is a crippling financial burden for low-income households, leaving little money available for housing, food, or medical care.from july 1, 2020 - june 30, 2021, the Fuel Fund of Maryland provided financial assistance to 3,437 low income households with a median monthly income of $1,983.00.