Although Gov. Martin O’Malley has increased the Electric Universal Service Program from $52 million to $57 million to help low-income families pay utilities, the need is still greater than the funds, the head of the Maryland Fuel Fund says.

“The problem is huge,” said Mary Ellen Vanni, executive director of the Maryland Fuel Fund, “and it will take energy conservation and weatherization to really help folks reduce energy. We really need a national campaign on how to reduce energy just like we did with learning how not to litter.”

According to Vanni, last year her agency provided grants up to $400 to more than 21,000 people. Most were existing clients whose awards had to be doubled. In the face of the 50 percent rate hike that took effect June 1, Vanni feels more aggressive solutions are warranted.

“We should look at mandating that all public housing or landlords who rent to people who receive rent subsidies, make the housing energy-efficient,” she said. “The reality is that the most vulnerable citizens who need this assistance live in the worst housing and their bills are higher because the housing is so bad. Unfortunately, people are allowed to rent out housing whether or not it is in good condition.”

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Vanni also proposed subsidies to landlords who convert rentals to energy-efficient dwellings and a graduated pay rate for basic energy needs like lights, hot water and heat, terming it “essential energy.’”

For those who consume a lot of energy, she proposed a “luxury energy tax for things like jacuzzis,” saying those who exceed essential energy levels should “pay higher rates.”

Baltimore City is looking at ways to help its residents.

“We are stretching the limited resources we have available,” Mayor Sheila Dixon said. “We will be opening cooling stations and educating people on ways to conserve energy and to protect themselves during extreme heat while we await the results of a study to determine the feasibility of purchasing electricity for our citizens at an aggregated rate.”

“This is a trial period for all of us,” said Reggie Scriber, deputy commissioner of housing, whose agency administers the city’s energy assistance programs. “I am dealing with the lowest of incomes. Those who have to make a decision whether to eat or have lights pay the rent or have hot water. Their income is at the bare bones. The reality is that this will be a painful process for us all.”

rchappelle@baltimoreexaminer.com