Chesapeake Utilities assistance programs.
Residents of Maryland as well as Delaware can receive help with paying their Chesapeake Utilities bills. Examples of the programs offered include payment plans, low income energy bill assistance from the government, and referrals to non-profits.
Financial assistance, including emergency aid, is offered from the Sharing Program. This is a program funded by donations and is an option for customers who may need help with paying with their heating bills. Most of the aid is offered for the disabled, elderly, or seniors or families that live on a fixed income. The Chesapeake Utilities Sharing resources may provide individuals with a cash grant. To learn more or to apply for it, call your local Energy Assistance Office or a non-profit such as the Salvation Army (see below). Also please do keep in mind that Sharing is funded by donations from Chesapeake's corporate sponsors, customers, and employees. So please donate if you can.
The Budget Payment Plan is available for customers that have an account in good standing. This will in effect level set your Chesapeake Utilities energy bill and it will spread out the costs of your winter heating bills. The enrollment period usually takes place in June.
Then, what occurs is that beginning in each September and ending in May of each year, customers can pay their winter natural gas heating bills in equal monthly installments. Your monthly payments will be based on the amount of your past monthly utility bill. Then, during the month of June when you receive your regular monthly bill, the customer will either receive a credit on their account or they will own any additional amount owed.
Alternate payment plans and extensions may be offered by Chesapeake Utilities and their customer service representatives. They can help people find a local social service agency in Delaware, sign up people for a payment plan, enroll customers in budgeting programs, or help them enroll into government aid such as LIHEAP.
The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) is an option during the cold winter months. This is a federal government grant program that can both pay regular, ongoing costs and there is also an emergency component for those faced with a disconnection. Call your local Energy Assistance Office or a customer service representative from Chesapeake Utilities.
The Weatherization Assistance Program is a conservation program. It can help improve the efficiency of your home and keep out the cold winter winds! It is free to very low income families. However there is often a waiting list in place before any updates can occur on your home.
Utility Service Protection Plan is an option for income qualified Maryland families. Many of those that enroll in MEAP (see above) will also qualify for the Utility Service Protection Plan. If after you enroll, if you agree to and abide by certain payment terms, the customer will be protected from a shut off of their account and may be offered discounts on their account.
Some of the non-profit partner agencies in Delaware include the following.
- New Castle County, Catholic Charities, 2601 W. Fourth Street, Wilmington, DE 19805, 302.654.9295
- Kent County, Catholic Charities, 1155 W. Walker Road, Dover, Delaware 19904, dial 302.674.4016
- Sussex County, Catholic Charities, 406 S. Bedford Street, Fuel Assistance-Ste. B, Georgetown, DE 19947, telephone 302.856.9578 ext. 4
- Georgetown State Service Center, 413 E. Market Street, Georgetown, Delaware 19947, dial 302.856.5574
- Salvation Army, Sussex County, 601 N. Dual Hwy, Seaford, DE 19973, dial 302.628.2020
- Laurel Service Center, 440 N. Poplar Street, Laurel, DE 19956, call 302.875.2289
- Bridgeville Service Center, 400 Mill Street, Bridgeville, DE 19933, main phone 302.337.8261
- Community Action Agency, 308 N. Railroad Ave ? Georgetown, Delaware 19947, main number is 302.856.7761
- Division of Economic Services (Social Services) in New Castle County, dial 302.378.5770. If you live in Kent County then call 302.739.5301. Or residents of Sussex County need to dial 302.856.5340 for help.
Chesapeake Utilities Maryland partners are below. Additional energy bill assistance may be available by calling one or more of those listed below. They can also direct customers to conservation measures and energy use education services.
- Shore-Up, Inc., 520 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804, dial 410.341.9634
- Dorchester County Department of Social Services, 627 Race Street, Cambridge, Maryland 21613, main phone 410.901.4100
- Maryland Department of Social Services, 201 Baptist Street, Salisbury, MD 21801, call 410.543.6900
- Dorchester Community Development Corporation, 435 High Street, Cambridge, MD 21613, 410.228.3600
- Joseph House, 812 Boundary Street, Salisbury, Maryland 21801, 410.749.4239
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