Newsroom & Public Notices
NJBPU Partners with Atlantic City Leaders to Host Atlantic County Utility Assistance Day
| For Immediate Release: | Contact: Tracy Munford |
| Date: 02/20/2024 | 609-940-1099 |
“If you are struggling or falling behind on your payments, we are here to help. New Jersey offers a wide range of assistance programs to help residents pay their utility bills. Don’t wait until you are faced with a service disruption before getting help,” said Christine Guhl-Sadovy, President of the NJBPU. “Winter weather is upon us, which is why it is very important for customers in arrears to apply for utility assistance before the Winter Termination Program ends on March 15.”
This event will connect residents with programs that can help provide assistance in paying utility bills. Several organizations will be available to help customers apply on site for utility grant programs including: Ocean Inc., Community Affairs and Resource Center, Native American Advancement Corporation, NJ SHARES and Atlantic City Health and Human Services Department, and the NJ Department of Human Service’s Division of Aging Services. Also in attendance will be Atlantic City Electric Company, South Jersey Gas Company, and NJBPU’s Division of Customer Assistance and Office of Clean Energy.
“I strongly encourage all Atlantic City residents in need of assistance paying their utility bills, especially during these winter months, to take advantage of this opportunity,” said City of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. “We are grateful to be able to partner with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and other local and state organizations to do our part to lift this burden that exists within some of the most vulnerable populations in our community.”
During the winter months when heating bills are high, NJBPU urges customers in danger of disconnection to contact their utility company and enroll in the Winter Termination Program (WTP). Under WTP, certain gas, electric, water and wastewater customers are protected from shut-off of utility service from November 15 - March 15. Residents who currently participate in any of the following programs, or cannot pay their bill due to “circumstances beyond their control,” (such as lost income, unemployment, etc.) are eligible for the WTP: Universal Service Fund (“USF”), Home Energy Assistance Program, Lifeline Utility Assistance Program, federal Supplemental Security Income, Work First New Jersey-Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, and Work First New Jersey – General Assistance or Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled.
“DCA is ready to assist individuals and families who may face challenges with paying their utility bills,” said Department of Community Affairs Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program offered through DCA is not just for people with lower incomes. Moderate-income families are also eligible. We encourage households to visit the DCAid portal to apply. The DCAid portal also checks to see what other benefits the applicant may qualify for. Anyone in need of assistance can visit the portal at https://dcaid.dca.nj.gov/.”
Additionally, customers in arrears who enroll in the USF program will be automatically screened for the Fresh Start program. Fresh Start gives eligible USF customers an opportunity to have their overdue gas and electric balances forgiven by paying only their current monthly bills on time and in full. Self-screen for USF eligibility or apply online at: www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid. Call 2-1-1 for more information.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Atlantic County residents to learn about the utility assistance programs available and how to apply. Many of the individuals and families we serve at the New Jersey Department of Human Services are eligible for utility assistance but may not know it. This includes individuals and families participating in the Work First New Jersey program, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, and older adults or people with disabilities participating in the Lifeline Utility Assistance Program. With the cold winter months not yet over, I encourage all eligible residents concerned about higher utility bills to attend this informative event and take advantage of programs like the Winter Termination Program to avoid potential service interruptions,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman.
Residents attending the fair should bring the following:
- One month of income statements for all adult household members from within the past 8 weeks, or zero income statement;
- Copies of social security cards or residency status for all household members;
- Proof of address - copy of rental lease or housing authority letter, or, if homeowner, bring your tax bill, mortgage statement or deed;
- All pages of electric, natural gas and/or heating bills.
For those unable to attend the Atlantic County Utility Assistance Day, you can find out how to apply for utility assistance programs by calling 2-1-1 for more information. If you are in danger of shut off, please call your utility company to request protection under WTP. If you have a complaint about your utility company, please call the NJBPU at 800-624-0241 or visit online at www.nj.gov/bpu/.
Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU)
NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents. To find out more about NJBPU, visit our website at www.nj.gov/bpu.
