Maryland residents who are behind on their utility bills will start getting shut-off notices Oct. 1. And a moratorium on shut offs ends Nov. 15.

Tamla Olivier, BGE’s senior vice president and chief customer officer, urged customers who are behind on their bills to get help.

“Do not wait until you're at risk of being disconnected. We are saying call today, right now,” she said. “We can’t help if you don’t call us.”

BGE has more than 1.8 million customers in central Maryland. The state has set aside $150 million for energy assistance, but Olivier said many in need have not applied. Applicants get help on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Customers can also arrange to pay a small percentage of their monthly balance. Some may pay as little as $10 a month. 

“There is absolutely no reason why anyone should be in a position where they're being disconnected,” Olivier said. 

Residents have 45 days from the date they receive their termination notice to work out a payment plan or apply for assistance.