Oct 9

Oct 9 Keeping the Lights On

District 8 Seniors to Receive $1,000 in Utility Relief

For seniors balancing household bills on fixed incomes, a little breathing room can make a meaningful difference. A newly announced utility assistance initiative promises that relief for more than 2,000 residents of Prince George’s County’s District 8.

Council Member Edward Burroughs III, partnering with the Second District Community Development Corporation, has outlined more than $2 million in assistance through the District 8 Senior Support Fund. Each recipient will receive $1,000 toward Pepco, gas, water and solar bills, helping older residents maintain comfortable homes as utility costs climb.

“Soaring utility costs are impacting families across our community, but for our seniors—many of whom are living on fixed incomes—the impact can be especially devastating,” Burroughs said in the announcement.

The initiative addresses a substantial older population. Maryland’s published 2020 Census figures show that Prince George’s County had 77,178 residents older than 70, or 85,769 aged 70 and above. The Planning Department’s 2022 demographic profile identifies 16,250 District 8 residents aged 65 and older, representing 16.68 percent of its estimated population—the highest senior share among the nine council districts. That report does not separately count District 8 residents older than 70.

The assistance announcement was scheduled for October 7 at the Senior Support Fund Office, 7800 Allentown Road in Fort Washington. Listed speakers included WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Kishia L. Powell or a designated representative, and Pepco Vice President of Governmental and External Affairs Amber Perry.

Burroughs also sponsored a resolution, unanimously approved by the County Council, asking the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel to investigate significant utility rate increases affecting county residents.

Together, the payments and call for scrutiny reflect the initiative’s central goal: helping seniors keep essential services running and continue aging in place with dignity, security and greater financial stability.