Newsroom & Public Notices
NJBPU Partners with the City of Newark and Essex County to Host Essex County Community Utility Assistance Day to Help Residents with Their Utility Bills
| For Immediate Release: | Contact: Bailey Lawrence |
| Date: 10/18/2024 | 609-940-1099 |
UAD will connect residents with their local utility company and service providers to learn about the many assistance programs offered by both the State and utility providers. Essex County is the latest in a series of successful Utility Assistance Days. Nearly 7,500 residents have cumulatively attended events held in Camden, Trenton, Passaic, Elizabeth, and Union City.
“We are excited to partner with the City of Newark and Essex County for the October 21 Utilities Assistance Day (UAD) to help raise awareness and maximize the impact of our utility assistance programs,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “For more than two years, we have held Utility Assistance Days in communities across New Jersey as part of our commitment to help customers access information and resources for help with their utility bills. I encourage residents throughout Essex County to attend UAD.”
Participating organizations are the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, the New Jersey Department of Human Services – Lifeline Program, Newark Water, PSE&G, JCP&L, New Jersey Shares, Comfort Partners, LaCasa de Don Pedro, The Leaguers, NJ211, United Community Corp Emergency Shelter (UCC), St. James Social Services Corporation and NJ Family Care.
"Challenges such as complex applications, language barriers, or unfamiliarity with available utility assistance programs can hinder families facing hardship from receiving the help they need," said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson). "Events like Utility Assistance Day are essential for raising awareness and ensuring eligible households get enrolled. Thank you to the Board of Public Utilities for prioritizing accessibility and offering multilingual support, enabling our families to find financial relief and meet their basic needs."
"The Utility Assistance Day is an invaluable initiative for our community, bringing together local residents and organizations to provide vital information on utility services," said Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin (Essex/Hudson). " Utility costs can be a significant burden, and this event provides an opportunity for residents to learn about the wide range of assistance programs available. I commend the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for their dedication to ensuring that our residents have access to critical resources. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to receiving necessary support."
"We are proud to join with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for the Essex County Community Utility Assistance Day in Newark. Regular electrical services in our homes are a necessity, and many residents need support to maintain that flow for their most basic needs,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to ensuring that essential services are accessible to everyone. Together, we are not just providing assistance but fostering stronger communities where no one is left behind.”
“As the winter months approach, New Jerseyans who are worried about how to pay for utility bills are encouraged to apply for assistance,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “LIHEAP and other assistance programs are not just for people with lower incomes. Moderate-income families are also eligible for assistance. Anyone who is struggling to make ends meet should reach out to see if they qualify for help.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Essex County residents to learn about the utility assistance programs available and how to apply. Many of the individuals and families that 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,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “I encourage residents concerned about higher utility bills to attend this informative event to learn what assistance may be available.”
To determine eligibility for utility assistance on-site, residents attending the Essex County Community Utility Assistance Day event should bring the following:
- One month of income statements from within the past eight weeks (or a zero-income statement) for all adult household members;
- Copies of social security cards or residency status for all household members;
- Proof of address (i.e., copy of rental lease or housing authority letter). (If you are a homeowner, please bring your tax bill, mortgage statement, or deed.); and
- All pages of electric, natural gas, and/or heating bills
Additionally, customers in arrears who enroll in the Universal Service Fund (USF) program will be automatically screened for the Fresh Start program. Fresh Start provides 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. Fresh Start is available to customers once every five years. To self-screen for USF eligibility or apply online, please visit www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid or call 2-1-1 for more information.
For those unable to attend, please call 2-1-1 to learn more about New Jersey’s utility assistance programs. Those with complaints or concerns regarding their utility company are encouraged to call the NJBPU at 800-624-0241 or file online here.
About the New Jersey 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.
