How To Lower Your Summer Electric Bill In Maryland: Rebates, Assistance Programs And Energy-Saving Habits

CALIFORNIA, Md. — Summer heat can send Maryland electric bills soaring, but there are ways to reduce the cost. From state energy assistance programs and utility rebates to simple changes that can lower your monthly bill, Maryland residents may have more options than they realize. Whether you live in Southern Maryland, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore or the Washington area, here’s how to find available savings, determine if you qualify for financial assistance and keep your home comfortable without spending more than necessary this summer.

Maryland Energy Assistance Programs Can Help Qualifying Households

According to the Maryland Department of Human Services and electric utilities such as SMECO and BGE, available programs and eligibility requirements can change from year to year, so residents are encouraged to confirm current details directly with those organizations before applying.

The Maryland Department of Human Services’ Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP), runs the state’s main financial assistance effort for utility costs, according to the department’s website. OHEP administers the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, which pays fuel suppliers and utility companies directly on behalf of eligible households, as well as the Electric Universal Service Program, which provides an electric bill grant once per state fiscal year, which runs from July through June, the agency says.

OHEP also offers Arrearage Retirement Assistance, which can provide up to $2,000 toward past-due electric bills and up to $1,000 toward past-due gas bills for households with at least $300 in arrears. According to the department, the assistance is generally available once every five years. OHEP also administers the Utility Service Protection Program, which can help protect eligible households from having service shut off during the heating season if they enroll in level, or budget, billing.

Maryland residents can apply for energy assistance year-round, though benefits are limited to once per year, OHEP says. Applicants can check the status of a submitted application at myohepstatus.org. The department can also be reached at 1-800-332-6347.

Separately, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development offers a program, also referred to as MEAP on its website, that can repair or replace non-working heating, cooling and water heating systems at no cost for households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. The department’s website notes the program has faced limited funding and high demand, resulting in waitlists for new applicants in some periods, and encourages residents to also ask about its Special Loans Program. Households already approved for energy assistance through the Department of Human Services can reach the program’s intake line at 1-855-583-8976, according to the DHCD website.

If you think you may qualify for any of these programs, gather documents such as proof of income, utility account information and identification before applying. Applying early can be helpful because demand for assistance often increases during periods of extreme weather.

Renters as well as homeowners may qualify for certain forms of assistance, so it is worth reviewing available options even if you do not own your home.

Utility Rebates May Reduce The Cost Of Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Maryland’s major electric utilities offer their own rebate programs, largely funded through the state’s EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act, which requires utilities to help customers reduce electricity use.

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), which serves Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties among others, lists several residential incentives on its website, including a free home energy analysis, a no-cost HVAC tune-up, and a rebate of up to $75 on qualifying smart thermostats. SMECO’s Switch2Earn program installs a smart thermostat at no cost and offers a $50 enrollment bonus plus up to $50 in annual bill credits for members who allow the cooperative to adjust cooling during periods of peak demand, according to the utility. SMECO also lists appliance recycling rebates of $50 for refrigerators and freezers and $25 for smaller units, along with rebates for heat pump water heaters. The cooperative can be reached at 877-818-4094.

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) offers similar incentives through its Smart Energy Savers Program. According to the BGE Smart Energy website, the utility offers rebates of up to $100 on select ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostats, rebates reaching $1,600 on qualifying heat pump water heaters, and a $50 instant discount on ENERGY STAR-certified dehumidifiers. BGE’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program lists average rebates around $3,000 for qualifying whole-home efficiency improvements, the utility says. BGE representatives can be reached at 1-877-685-7377 (1-877-685-SESP).

Available offers and rebate amounts can change, and products must typically meet ENERGY STAR or other efficiency standards to qualify. Before making a major purchase, check directly with SMECO, BGE or your local utility to confirm current promotions, and keep copies of receipts and applications to help avoid delays in receiving payments.

Small Changes Can Make A Noticeable Difference

Not every energy-saving strategy requires spending money. Many of the most effective habits involve adjusting how and when electricity is used.

Consider these practical steps:

Set your thermostat to a comfortable but efficient temperature and avoid making large adjustments throughout the day.
Use ceiling fans to improve comfort, remembering that fans cool people rather than rooms.
Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the afternoon to reduce indoor heat.
Replace air filters regularly to help your cooling system operate efficiently.
Run dishwashers and laundry machines during cooler parts of the day when possible.
Turn off lights and unplug electronics that are not in use.
Seal noticeable air leaks around doors and windows to keep cooled air inside.
Schedule routine maintenance for your air conditioning system according to manufacturer recommendations.

While each change may seem small, combining several habits over an entire summer can reduce electricity use.

Home Energy Improvements Can Provide Lasting Savings

If your budget allows, investing in energy efficiency may lower utility costs for years.

Older homes throughout Maryland may benefit from improved insulation, air sealing and updated heating and cooling equipment. Smart thermostats can also help households better manage cooling schedules by reducing unnecessary energy use when no one is home.

An energy assessment can identify areas where your home is losing conditioned air or using more electricity than necessary. Both SMECO and BGE offer home energy assessments or audits as part of their EmPOWER Maryland-funded programs, according to the utilities’ websites, and the Maryland Energy Administration provides information on weatherization assistance for income-eligible households through its site.

When planning upgrades, compare the expected energy savings with the upfront cost and review any available rebates from your utility before beginning work.

Renters Have Options Too

People who rent may feel they have fewer opportunities to improve energy efficiency, but there are still practical ways to reduce summer electric bills.

Portable fans, blackout curtains and weatherstripping that does not permanently alter the property can improve comfort. Reporting maintenance issues such as leaking windows or malfunctioning air conditioning systems may also help address unnecessary energy loss.

Renters who meet income guidelines may also qualify for assistance through OHEP, since eligibility for state energy assistance programs is not limited to homeowners, according to the Department of Human Services.

If utilities are included in rent, reducing energy use still helps lower overall demand and supports efficient use of shared resources.

Watch For Seasonal Opportunities

Utilities and community organizations sometimes expand outreach during periods of high summer energy use. Educational workshops, conservation campaigns and limited-time rebate offers may become available during warmer months, and SMECO and BGE both note on their websites that some rebate promotions run for a limited time.

Residents should also pay attention to information included with utility bills or posted on provider websites such as smeco.coop and bgesmartenergy.com. These resources often explain ways to reduce consumption, understand billing options and locate customer assistance resources.

Because program details can change, checking official utility or state information, including the Maryland Department of Human Services’ Office of Home Energy Programs and the Maryland Energy Administration, is the best way to confirm current eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can qualify for Maryland energy assistance programs?

Eligibility generally depends on household income and other factors set by the Maryland Department of Human Services’ Office of Home Energy Programs. Both homeowners and renters may qualify, and applications are accepted year-round, according to OHEP.

Do Maryland utilities offer rebates for energy-efficient equipment?

Yes. SMECO and BGE both offer rebates or incentives for qualifying energy-efficient products and home improvements, including smart thermostats, heat pump water heaters and whole-home efficiency upgrades, according to each utility’s website. Check with your utility for current offers and eligibility requirements.

What is the easiest way to lower my summer electric bill?

Using your air conditioner efficiently, replacing air filters, closing blinds during the hottest hours and reducing unnecessary electricity use are simple steps that can lower energy consumption.

Can renters save on summer energy costs?

Yes. Renters can use portable fans, blackout curtains, weatherstripping where appropriate and energy-saving habits while also asking landlords to address maintenance issues that affect efficiency. Renters may also qualify for state energy assistance programs, according to the Department of Human Services.