CUSTOMER CHOICE
Beginning in July, the state of Maryland will start collecting money through customers' electric bills to fund a new Universal Service Program. Below are some frequently asked questions on the issue.
What is the Universal Service Program?
The Universal Service Program is a result of legislation bringing
customer choice to Maryland's electric utility industry. This
new program was created by the Maryland General Assembly, and
signed into law by Gov. Parris Glendening, to help low-income
electric customers once customer choice begins in Maryland. The
state Department of Human Resources administers the Universal
Service Program.
Who is the Universal Service Program
designed for?
The Universal Service Program is available to customers
whose incomes are at or below 150 percent of the poverty level.
The program will provide bill assistance, arrearage retirement,
and help with home weatherization.
How is the program funded?
Starting in July, a new Universal Service charge will appear on
the monthly electric bills of all Maryland customers.
Funding for Universal Service will total $34 million for each
of the first three years of the program.
How much is the Universal Service charge?
Maryland's residential electric customers will pay a
flat fee of 40 cents per month on their electric bills. The Universal
Service charge for commercial and industrial customers will vary
based on the 1999 electricity sales to each customer, and is calculated
according to a scale set by the Maryland Public Service Commission
(PSC). This scale starts with a minimum Universal Service charge
of three dollars a month. (The PSC maintains a Universal Service charge scale - scroll down to the bottom of that page to view the chart.)
Electric utilities will collect the money and forward it directly
to the state comptroller's office to support the Universal Service
Program.
How long will this charge appear on electric bills?
Funding for the Universal Service Program is set for the first
three years. The PSC will determine funding levels beyond this
time frame.
How do I find out more?
Basic information on the Universal Service Program can be found
at the state's
customer choice web site.
The state Office of Home Energy Programs, a part of the Department of Human Resources, coordinates the Universal Service Program. The office can be reached at 1-800-352-1446. (For the hearing impaired, 1-800-925-4434)
Below is information on the agencies assisting eligible Universal Service Program participants in SMECO’s service area.
Southern MD Tri County Community Action Committee, Inc.
(Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's Counties)
Hartman Bldg., Box 280
Hughesville, MD 20637-0280
1-800-255-5313
301-274-4474
Prince George's County Dept. of Social Services
6505 Belcrest Rd.
Hyattsville, Md. 20782
301-209-5240
Mailing Address: 805 Bright Seat Rd. Landover, MD 20785