DC Sustainable Energy Utility
While closely monitoring and keeping track of COVID-19 and its impact on District residents, the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) is currently offering a way you can save energy and money while at home for free.
With the DCSEU’s Home Energy Conservation Kits, residents can save on their electric, gas, and water bill each month. Each kit contains 6 omni-directional LED lightbulbs, an advanced power strip, and a bathroom faucet aerator. Kits are available on a first-come, first served basis and can help you save up to $40 a year on energy costs. Visit www.dcseu.com/homeenergykits and fill out a form to have the DCSEU’s Home Energy Conservation Kit delivered right to your door. |
Pepco
Pepco is suspending service disconnections and waiving new late payment charges at least until May 1 and will be working with customers on a case-by-case basis to establish payment arrangements and identify energy assistance options.
What should customers do if they are challenged to pay their bill? Customers who may be challenged in paying their Pepco bill should contact Pepco Customers Care at 202-833-7500.
Pepco will work with customers who may have difficulty paying their energy bill. The company offers payment options, like Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period to help customers manage their monthly energy bill, or flexible payment arrangements that offer individually tailored payment installment plans.
Through Pepco's Gift of Energy program, anyone can make a payment toward a friend or family member's energy bill. The gift will appear on a future bill as a credit to the recipient's account.
Pepco works closely with its community partners to connect customers with grants and programs like LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP provides grants in varying amounts based on a household's income size, type of fuel, and type of dwelling, with no pay back required. District residents can apply for assistance online though the Department of Energy and the Environment website or by calling 3-1-1. Maryland customers can apply for LIHEAP energy assistance through the Department of Human Services website, by visiting a Local Energy Assistance Office, or by calling the Maryland Department of Human Services Office of Home Energy Programs at 1-800-332-6347.
Pepco customers with a disconnection notice or who currently have service disconnected can receive a grant up to $1,000 once a year through the Pepco Washington Area Fuel Fund Partnership administered by the Salvation Army. Customers in the District of Columbia (wards 1-6) call 202-332-5000 or (wards 7-8) call 202-678-9771. Prince George's County residents can call 301-277-6103 and Montgomery County residents can call 301-515-5354 for assistance.
Other programs supporting District customers include:
Pepco customers with a disconnection notice or who currently have service disconnected can receive a grant up to $1,000 once a year through the Pepco Washington Area Fuel Fund Partnership administered by the Salvation Army. Customers in the District of Columbia (wards 1-6) call 202-332-5000 or (wards 7-8) call 202-678-9771. Prince George's County residents can call 301-277-6103 and Montgomery County residents can call 301-515-5354 for assistance.
Don’t Get Scammed: Customers can avoid being scammed by taking a few precautions
How to protect yourself
What should customers do if they are challenged to pay their bill? Customers who may be challenged in paying their Pepco bill should contact Pepco Customers Care at 202-833-7500.
Pepco will work with customers who may have difficulty paying their energy bill. The company offers payment options, like Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period to help customers manage their monthly energy bill, or flexible payment arrangements that offer individually tailored payment installment plans.
Through Pepco's Gift of Energy program, anyone can make a payment toward a friend or family member's energy bill. The gift will appear on a future bill as a credit to the recipient's account.
Pepco works closely with its community partners to connect customers with grants and programs like LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP provides grants in varying amounts based on a household's income size, type of fuel, and type of dwelling, with no pay back required. District residents can apply for assistance online though the Department of Energy and the Environment website or by calling 3-1-1. Maryland customers can apply for LIHEAP energy assistance through the Department of Human Services website, by visiting a Local Energy Assistance Office, or by calling the Maryland Department of Human Services Office of Home Energy Programs at 1-800-332-6347.
Pepco customers with a disconnection notice or who currently have service disconnected can receive a grant up to $1,000 once a year through the Pepco Washington Area Fuel Fund Partnership administered by the Salvation Army. Customers in the District of Columbia (wards 1-6) call 202-332-5000 or (wards 7-8) call 202-678-9771. Prince George's County residents can call 301-277-6103 and Montgomery County residents can call 301-515-5354 for assistance.
Other programs supporting District customers include:
- The Utility Discount Program (UDP) assists low-income District residents reduce their utility costs. Eligible customers may receive a discount of up to $475 per year on their electric bill ($300 per year if non-electric heat). District residents can visit the Department of Energy and the Environment website at doee.dc.gov to apply online or calling 3-1-1 to schedule an in-person appointment.
- The Greater Washington Urban League provides up to $500 in assistance to eligible customers facing disconnection. Customers can call 202-265-8200 or visit www.gwul.org.
Pepco customers with a disconnection notice or who currently have service disconnected can receive a grant up to $1,000 once a year through the Pepco Washington Area Fuel Fund Partnership administered by the Salvation Army. Customers in the District of Columbia (wards 1-6) call 202-332-5000 or (wards 7-8) call 202-678-9771. Prince George's County residents can call 301-277-6103 and Montgomery County residents can call 301-515-5354 for assistance.
Don’t Get Scammed: Customers can avoid being scammed by taking a few precautions
- Never provide your social security number or personal information to anyone initiating contact with you claiming to be a company representative or requesting you to send money to another person or entity other than Pepco.
- Always ask to see a company photo ID before allowing any Pepco worker into your home or business.
- Never make a payment for services to anyone coming to your door.
How to protect yourself
- Pepco representatives will never ask or require a customer with a past due balance to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection.
- Customers can make payments online, by phone, automatic bank withdrawal or by mail.
- Customers with a past due balance will receive multiple shut off notifications – never a single notification one hour before disconnection.
- If a customer ever questions the legitimacy of the call, hang up and call Pepco at 202-833-7500.
Washington Gas
There are several payment options available to help manage your Washington Gas bill.
Budget Plan - The Budget Plan spreads the cost of winter heating over the entire year. We calculate your average monthly payment based on historical natural gas usage, adjusted for normal weather and projected gas costs. Periodically, we review your account to confirm that our monthly estimate is on target.
Each month, your bill will show actual gas usage and bill amounts, along with budget installments, so you can review the information. Depending on the time of year, your budget installment may be more or less than your actual monthly usage. If actual gas costs, weather and/or usage differ significantly from our original estimate, we may adjust your monthly payment to prevent significant charges or credits at the end of your budget year.
You may also request an adjustment to your monthly budget payment. If an adjustment to your monthly budget payment is necessary, you will be notified and can decide whether to change your monthly budget payment amount. Your 12th monthly bill will reflect the last installment of your budget cycle – adjusted for the difference between actual and budgeted gas usage.
Overpayments are credited to your account unless a refund is requested. If you use more gas than you paid for, you owe the company the difference. This amount will be billed in the 12th monthly bill of the budget cycle. The Budget Plan is designed as a 12-month program, and we encourage you to stay on it year-round to realize the potential benefits. Remember that continued participation in the plan depends on your ability to make the monthly budget payment. A late payment or failure to pay may result in removal from the plan, and the full amount of the account balance will become due.
For information or to enroll, call our Automated Services Line at 703-750-7944 or download the Billing and Payment Plans Brochure and mail in the application. Please have your Washington Gas account number available. Customers outside the local calling area may dial 800-752-7520.Please call us at 844-WASHGAS (927-4427) if you choose to purchase natural gas from an energy supply company and want to participate in the Budget Plan.
eBill Automated-Payment Plan (EBAP) - Pay your bill automatically every month through the eBill Automated Payment Plan (EBAP).
Washington Gas will continue to bill you each month, but, on your payment due date, the bill amount will be automatically deducted from your checking account – no check writing, postage or waiting in line. An email notice will be sent every month with a link to view your electronic bill. With EBAP, you can select the number of days after billing when you would like the payment to be deducted and you can set a maximum payment amount. If the amount of the bill surpasses the maximum amount, the payment will be suspended to allow the account holder to investigate the charges. Additionally, all program details can be managed online any time, day or night.
To enroll or learn more, call our Customer Service Line at 844-WASHGAS (927-4427), download our Billing and Payment Plans Brochure and mail in the application or visit our eService Center.
Automated-Payment Plan (APPL) - Rather receive a paper bill each month? Then pay your gas bill automatically each month through the Automated Payment Plan (APPL). Washington Gas will continue to mail you a statement each month, but, on the due date, the amount of the bill will be deducted electronically from your checking account.
If you have questions about the amount of your bill or wish to suspend an automated payment, please call us at 844-WASHGAS prior to 4 p.m. at least three business days before your bill is due. When an automated payment is suspended, other payment arrangements must be made. Also, please notify Washington Gas if you change your checking account.
To enroll or learn more, call our Customer Service Line at 844-WASHGAS (927-4427), download our Billing and Payment Plans Brochure and mail in the application or visit our eService Center.
Payment Extension Plan (Residential Customers Only) - The Payment Extension Plan (offered to residential customers only) can extend the due date for customers – typically individuals whose main source of income is a monthly government or pension check – who purchase gas from Washington Gas and receive their bills after the 10th of the month.
With this plan, the due date (last day to pay without a penalty) of your current monthly gas bill is extended to the 5th of the next month, making it easier for you to apply a portion of your government or pension check to your gas bill. There is no late charge if the payment for your gas bill is received by the extended due date.
For details or to enroll, call us at 844-WASHGAS (927-4427).Remember that it is the customer’s responsibility to notify Washington Gas as soon as possible if he or she is unable to pay for service in accordance with the requirements of the company’s billing practices. For more information about payment plans, download the Billing and Payment Plans Brochure or call us at 844-WASHGAS (927-4427).
Deferred Payment Arrangement - Washington Gas will work with all of its eligible customers who cannot pay the “past due bill amount” as well as the “current charges” on their gas bill, by entering into a deferment/pay agreement/ or consent order at the request of the customer.
Washington Gas will comply with all applicable laws, tariff regulations, or other arrangements Washington Gas enters into with its regulators when extending payment deferments to customers who show a willingness to pay past due amounts. The deferred payment agreement Washington Gas may enter into with its’ customers prevents further credit action on the account, including the assessment of late charges, the sending of reminder and/or turn off notices, and outbound calls, as long as the customer abides by the agreement.
Third-Party Notification Program - The Third-Party Notification Program can help you avoid a disconnection if you are out of town for long periods of time, are ill or have difficulty handling your affairs. Washington Gas sends a copy of your disconnection notice to a third-party of your choice. The third-party is not responsible for payment, but will be notified about the impending service disruption in time to help you avoid potential disconnection. Call us at 844-WASHGAS (927-4427) for details.
Budget Plan - The Budget Plan spreads the cost of winter heating over the entire year. We calculate your average monthly payment based on historical natural gas usage, adjusted for normal weather and projected gas costs. Periodically, we review your account to confirm that our monthly estimate is on target.
Each month, your bill will show actual gas usage and bill amounts, along with budget installments, so you can review the information. Depending on the time of year, your budget installment may be more or less than your actual monthly usage. If actual gas costs, weather and/or usage differ significantly from our original estimate, we may adjust your monthly payment to prevent significant charges or credits at the end of your budget year.
You may also request an adjustment to your monthly budget payment. If an adjustment to your monthly budget payment is necessary, you will be notified and can decide whether to change your monthly budget payment amount. Your 12th monthly bill will reflect the last installment of your budget cycle – adjusted for the difference between actual and budgeted gas usage.
Overpayments are credited to your account unless a refund is requested. If you use more gas than you paid for, you owe the company the difference. This amount will be billed in the 12th monthly bill of the budget cycle. The Budget Plan is designed as a 12-month program, and we encourage you to stay on it year-round to realize the potential benefits. Remember that continued participation in the plan depends on your ability to make the monthly budget payment. A late payment or failure to pay may result in removal from the plan, and the full amount of the account balance will become due.
For information or to enroll, call our Automated Services Line at 703-750-7944 or download the Billing and Payment Plans Brochure and mail in the application. Please have your Washington Gas account number available. Customers outside the local calling area may dial 800-752-7520.Please call us at 844-WASHGAS (927-4427) if you choose to purchase natural gas from an energy supply company and want to participate in the Budget Plan.
eBill Automated-Payment Plan (EBAP) - Pay your bill automatically every month through the eBill Automated Payment Plan (EBAP).
Washington Gas will continue to bill you each month, but, on your payment due date, the bill amount will be automatically deducted from your checking account – no check writing, postage or waiting in line. An email notice will be sent every month with a link to view your electronic bill. With EBAP, you can select the number of days after billing when you would like the payment to be deducted and you can set a maximum payment amount. If the amount of the bill surpasses the maximum amount, the payment will be suspended to allow the account holder to investigate the charges. Additionally, all program details can be managed online any time, day or night.
To enroll or learn more, call our Customer Service Line at 844-WASHGAS (927-4427), download our Billing and Payment Plans Brochure and mail in the application or visit our eService Center.
Automated-Payment Plan (APPL) - Rather receive a paper bill each month? Then pay your gas bill automatically each month through the Automated Payment Plan (APPL). Washington Gas will continue to mail you a statement each month, but, on the due date, the amount of the bill will be deducted electronically from your checking account.
If you have questions about the amount of your bill or wish to suspend an automated payment, please call us at 844-WASHGAS prior to 4 p.m. at least three business days before your bill is due. When an automated payment is suspended, other payment arrangements must be made. Also, please notify Washington Gas if you change your checking account.
To enroll or learn more, call our Customer Service Line at 844-WASHGAS (927-4427), download our Billing and Payment Plans Brochure and mail in the application or visit our eService Center.
Payment Extension Plan (Residential Customers Only) - The Payment Extension Plan (offered to residential customers only) can extend the due date for customers – typically individuals whose main source of income is a monthly government or pension check – who purchase gas from Washington Gas and receive their bills after the 10th of the month.
With this plan, the due date (last day to pay without a penalty) of your current monthly gas bill is extended to the 5th of the next month, making it easier for you to apply a portion of your government or pension check to your gas bill. There is no late charge if the payment for your gas bill is received by the extended due date.
For details or to enroll, call us at 844-WASHGAS (927-4427).Remember that it is the customer’s responsibility to notify Washington Gas as soon as possible if he or she is unable to pay for service in accordance with the requirements of the company’s billing practices. For more information about payment plans, download the Billing and Payment Plans Brochure or call us at 844-WASHGAS (927-4427).
Deferred Payment Arrangement - Washington Gas will work with all of its eligible customers who cannot pay the “past due bill amount” as well as the “current charges” on their gas bill, by entering into a deferment/pay agreement/ or consent order at the request of the customer.
Washington Gas will comply with all applicable laws, tariff regulations, or other arrangements Washington Gas enters into with its regulators when extending payment deferments to customers who show a willingness to pay past due amounts. The deferred payment agreement Washington Gas may enter into with its’ customers prevents further credit action on the account, including the assessment of late charges, the sending of reminder and/or turn off notices, and outbound calls, as long as the customer abides by the agreement.
Third-Party Notification Program - The Third-Party Notification Program can help you avoid a disconnection if you are out of town for long periods of time, are ill or have difficulty handling your affairs. Washington Gas sends a copy of your disconnection notice to a third-party of your choice. The third-party is not responsible for payment, but will be notified about the impending service disruption in time to help you avoid potential disconnection. Call us at 844-WASHGAS (927-4427) for details.
Tips for Paying Bills
Information about paying bills from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB):
As you plan for the potential impact of the Coronavirus, there are a number of steps that you can take to help protect yourself or a loved one financially, both in the short and long term.
1. Contact lenders to let them know about your situation. Financial Institutions are being encouraged to work with customers to meet their needs. This includes credit card companies, mortgage lenders, student loans and auto payments
When contacting your lenders, be prepared to explain:
2. Work with housing and credit counselors to understand your options
3. Contact reputable credit counseling organizations. There are specific questions to ask to help you find a credit counseling organization to work with.
4. Contact debt collectors to identify a realistic repayment plan. The Bureau offers a number of resources for contacting and negotiating with debt collection companies.
5. You can look to your state’s unemployment policies to identify current options for benefits. Your state's public health office may also have information.
6. Be aware of potential scam attempts
As you plan for the potential impact of the Coronavirus, there are a number of steps that you can take to help protect yourself or a loved one financially, both in the short and long term.
1. Contact lenders to let them know about your situation. Financial Institutions are being encouraged to work with customers to meet their needs. This includes credit card companies, mortgage lenders, student loans and auto payments
When contacting your lenders, be prepared to explain:
- Your situation
- How much you can afford to pay
- When you’re likely to be able to restart regular payments
- Your income, expenses and assets
- Why you need a delayed or reduced payment program
2. Work with housing and credit counselors to understand your options
- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved housing counselors can discuss options with you if you’re having trouble paying your mortgage loan or reverse mortgage loan. This may also include forbearance or a modified payment program.
3. Contact reputable credit counseling organizations. There are specific questions to ask to help you find a credit counseling organization to work with.
4. Contact debt collectors to identify a realistic repayment plan. The Bureau offers a number of resources for contacting and negotiating with debt collection companies.
5. You can look to your state’s unemployment policies to identify current options for benefits. Your state's public health office may also have information.
6. Be aware of potential scam attempts
- Click here for more information from CFPB on paying your bills and managing finances during the pandemic.
- Click here to learn what you need to know about student loans during the pandemic.
- Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Paying Your Rent or Mortgage During the Coronavirus Pandemic - WAMU
- How to Negotiate Bills During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Negotiation Works
Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB)
Emergency Savings Plus
CAAB with the support of Capital One Bank, launches EmergencySavingsPlus to assist low- to moderate-income residents of Wards 7 and 8 in Washington, DC to begin the process to save for financial emergencies and receive money to set-up an emergency savings account with $450
Participation requirements: You have to be a resident or either Ward 7 or in Washington, DC, and your family's total income must not exceed $121,300.
For more information click here.
DC Family Financial Recovery Fund
Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) has launched an innovative non-conditional cash transfer and financial wellness initiative--DC Family Financial Recovery Fund--to provide liquidity to DC low- and moderate-income families, regardless of immigration status, who have recently experienced unemployment and/or have had significant reduction in employment hours and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on their financial health. This initiative is supported by a grant from the Greater Washington Community Foundation.
Through the first phase of the DC Family Financial Recovery Fund, CAAB will provide a one-time non-conditional $500 cash transfer to 75 low-income DC residents who have recently experienced unemployment and/or have had significant reduction in employment hours due to COVID-19. Additionally, CAAB will provide Fund beneficiaries with access to virtual financial education classes, virtual one-on-one credit counseling & financial coaching services, information on claiming and maximizing the Earned Income Tax Credit, access to free tax preparation services, and, information on asset building financial services and products.
"CAAB is very excited to launch the DC Family Financial Recovery Fund which is an innovative non-conditional cash transfer and financial wellness initiative for the benefit of low- and moderate-income residents of Washington, DC," said Joseph Leitmann-Santa Cruz, CAAB's Executive Director. "Through the DC Family Financial Recovery Fund, CAAB looks forward to financially empower low-income residents of Washington, DC-regardless of their immigration status-in order to mitigate the impact COVID-19 has had in their financial health and provide them with an opportunity to achieve financial stability."
To learn more about the DC Family Financial Recovery Fund and to apply, please visit https://www.caab.org/en/caab-launches-the-dc-family-financial-recovery-fund-an-innovative-non-conditional-cash-transfer-and-financial-wellness-initiative
CAAB with the support of Capital One Bank, launches EmergencySavingsPlus to assist low- to moderate-income residents of Wards 7 and 8 in Washington, DC to begin the process to save for financial emergencies and receive money to set-up an emergency savings account with $450
Participation requirements: You have to be a resident or either Ward 7 or in Washington, DC, and your family's total income must not exceed $121,300.
For more information click here.
DC Family Financial Recovery Fund
Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) has launched an innovative non-conditional cash transfer and financial wellness initiative--DC Family Financial Recovery Fund--to provide liquidity to DC low- and moderate-income families, regardless of immigration status, who have recently experienced unemployment and/or have had significant reduction in employment hours and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on their financial health. This initiative is supported by a grant from the Greater Washington Community Foundation.
Through the first phase of the DC Family Financial Recovery Fund, CAAB will provide a one-time non-conditional $500 cash transfer to 75 low-income DC residents who have recently experienced unemployment and/or have had significant reduction in employment hours due to COVID-19. Additionally, CAAB will provide Fund beneficiaries with access to virtual financial education classes, virtual one-on-one credit counseling & financial coaching services, information on claiming and maximizing the Earned Income Tax Credit, access to free tax preparation services, and, information on asset building financial services and products.
"CAAB is very excited to launch the DC Family Financial Recovery Fund which is an innovative non-conditional cash transfer and financial wellness initiative for the benefit of low- and moderate-income residents of Washington, DC," said Joseph Leitmann-Santa Cruz, CAAB's Executive Director. "Through the DC Family Financial Recovery Fund, CAAB looks forward to financially empower low-income residents of Washington, DC-regardless of their immigration status-in order to mitigate the impact COVID-19 has had in their financial health and provide them with an opportunity to achieve financial stability."
To learn more about the DC Family Financial Recovery Fund and to apply, please visit https://www.caab.org/en/caab-launches-the-dc-family-financial-recovery-fund-an-innovative-non-conditional-cash-transfer-and-financial-wellness-initiative