From the Desk of Former Mayor Malinda Miles

It has been two years since I decided to remove myself from the political scene in Mount Rainier, MD, Prince George's County, and the State of Maryland. Holding the lofty position of Mayor was such a great honor, but as the years flew by, I realized that it was time to do something else -- get a life.! I did, and still continue to provide resources to the residents through The Front Porch Ministries (TFPM). Real people pass through The Front Porch Ministries weekly. LIFE is good.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

It is NEVER TOO EARLY to plan for our winter energy program!

Pepco Reminds Customers of Available Energy Assistance Programs
August Declared LIHEAP Action Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition has declared August as Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Action Month. Pepco reminds its customers they have numerous options to apply for energy assistance including LIHEAP, which provides critical home heating and cooling assistance to those who qualify.

Customers can apply starting Oct. 1 through a network of local agencies. In the District of Columbia, the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) provides service to people who need energy assistance and want to be included in the Residential Aid Discount program. Residents must apply for assistance by calling 3-1-1 to schedule an in-person appointment or by completing an online application through the new DOEE web portal atdoee.dc.gov/liheap.

In Maryland, LIHEAP funds are administered by the Department of Human Resources (DHR) through the Office of Home Energy Programs.

Additional available energy assistance programs include:

· The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) provides assistance with home heating bills. Limited assistance is available to replace broken or inefficient furnaces.

· The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) assists eligible low-income electric customers with their electric bills. Assistance is available whether you are an active customer or you are currently without service.

· The Utility Service Protection (USPP) Program protects low-income families from utility cut-offs and allows MEAP eligible households to enter into a year-round unfluctuating monthly payment program with their utility company.

· To apply for any of these programs, contact the Local Home Energy Programs Office in your area or call 1-800-352-1446 or visithttp://www.dhr.state.md.us/blog/?page_id=4326 for details.

“We are fortunate to have a wide range of programs throughout the Pepco region that offer our customers financial assistance with their electric bills,” said Felecia Greer, director, Customer Advocate. “We thank our legislators for their continued support of these critical programs and encourage residents of the District of Columbia and Maryland to take full advantage of the available financial assistance.”

Pepco also partners with community-based organizations and social service agencies throughout both jurisdictions to ensure that low-income and at-risk customers are aware of the federal dollars available to help them with their utility bills.

Customers can contact Pepco Customer Care at 202-833-7500 to ask about Budget Billing or register for My Account, a web-based interactive tool that provides customers with a detailed analysis of their specific electric use and offers ways to save energy and money on their monthly energy bill.

For information about Pepco, visit www.pepco.com. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pepco and on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/pepcoconnect. Our mobile app is available atwww.pepco.com/mobileapp.

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Jerry Pasternak | Vice President

Pepco | Government Affairs & Public Policy
701 Ninth Street N.W. | Washington, DC 20068
o: 202-872-2524 | f: 202-872-2032
jpasternak@pepco.com | pepco.com

Mayor Malinda Miles

As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents. It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved. It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces. I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible. This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.