WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced that $143,357,536 in federal relief has been delivered to Maryland families to help cover their energy costs for fiscal year 2022 (October 2021 to September 2022). With the winter months upon Maryland, this relief from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – boosted by funding from the American Rescue Plan – will help eligible Marylanders cover utility costs and stay warm this winter.

“For Marylanders struggling to get by, the high energy bills that come during the winter months can create one of the biggest burdens on their pocketbooks. This vital relief will help families cover their utility costs and stay warm this winter. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our communities, we were proud to fight for funding in the American Rescue Plan to support Marylanders, and we will keep working to reduce the burden of high energy costs that so many hardworking Americans face,” the lawmakers said.

The lawmakers secured $69,851,450 in LIHEAP funds for Maryland in the initial FY22 federal government funding legislation passed in September, in addition to the $73,506,086 delivered from the American Rescue Plan they helped enact in the spring of 2021.

Thanks to their work to pass the American Rescue Plan, the total funding of $143,357,536 is more than double Maryland’s typical annual funding for energy assistance — and the highest amount the state has ever received to help people struggling with the high cost of home energy. Eligible Marylanders can use this relief to cover energy bills as well as costs related to weatherization and energy-related repairs and upgrades.

Marylanders who need assistance with energy costs can apply through the Maryland Department of Human Services.

###