Maryland Announces $20M In Utility Bill Help

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Gov. Martin O'Malley has announced $20 million in additional help for low-income Maryland residents to pay higher utility bills from colder weather.

The governor announced Monday the assistance will be made available to all income eligible households that apply for the Electric Universal Service Program in fiscal year 2014.

The administration says households that have already been approved for assistance as of July 1 will see the benefit automatically post to their account.

Applications are still being accepted for residents who qualify for the program but have not yet applied. The supplemental benefit was made possible by a higher than anticipated award from the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and an increase in proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.