EASTON, MARYLAND — Talbot County households that face a heating emergency this winter can seek help through March 31 under Maryland's energy assistance program, and the local office that takes applications is the Neighborhood Service Center at 126 Port Street in Easton.
The state's winter crisis season runs from Nov. 1 through March 31, Gov. Wes Moore's office said in a Nov. 6 announcement. During that period, eligible households experiencing a heating crisis may qualify for a one-time grant of up to $600 to help restore heat. Both homeowners and renters may qualify, with eligibility based mainly on household size and income, the announcement says.
The Maryland Department of Human Services lists Neighborhood Service Center, Inc. as Talbot County's local home energy program office, at (410) 763-6745, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Easton Utilities' assistance page points its customers to the same center for the Maryland Energy Assistance Program and the Electric Universal Service Program, and lists 410-822-5015 as the center's emergency assistance number. The department also takes applications online and by paper form, which can be requested at 1-800-332-6347.
Demand for the aid is rising across the state. The department's Office of Home Energy Programs served 148,632 households in fiscal 2026 through its two main programs, distributing nearly $186 million, the governor's office said. That compares with 131,396 households and more than $131 million the year before. Through Sept. 30, the office has seen a 17% increase in households served compared with the same period last year.
The state is also matching households already receiving SNAP food benefits or Temporary Cash Assistance with energy assistance programs, and residents can use the Maryland Benefits One Application to apply for and renew benefits, including energy help, the announcement says.
The Maryland Energy Assistance Program provides help with immediate home energy needs for low-income residents, and the Electric Universal Service Program helps low-income customers pay the electric portion of their bills.
Source: Maryland Department of Human Services
Drawn from public records; drafted with AI and edited by Peter Gorman before publication.
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