Utility Payment Assistance Available for Customers Struggling To Pay Energy Bills

NEWARK, N.J., June 3, 2022 /3BL Media/ - The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has named the week of June 6 Utility Assistance Awareness Week to call attention to programs available to help customers who are struggling to pay their utility bills. Payment assistance programs have expanded to include more customers at much higher income levels, including those who are behind on their bills for the first time.

“We continue to make every effort to work with customers who have fallen behind on their bills. We’re here to help,” said Jane Bergen, director of billing for PSE&G Customer Care. “We never want to disconnect a customer’s electric or gas service because of an inability to pay.”

PSE&G will participate in a community resource event co-hosted by the NJ BPU and the City of Camden on Tuesday, June 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Roosevelt Plaza Park, 520 Market Street, Camden. PSE&G, social service agencies and service providers will be sharing information, helping customers sign up and answering questions about programs.

It is important to be aware of payment assistance options and utility payment assistance programs available.

Payment Assistance Programs

• Programs have expanded to help more households at higher income levels.
• A family of four making up to $105,996 a year could now be eligible.
• Forgiveness of past due balances is also available.
• For a one time opportunity, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) is now offering financial assistance for up to $13,000 to help customers pay past due energy bills. The application process is simple, and no documentation is required.
• LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) emergency assistance is available until June 30, 2022.

To learn more about all available programs and how to apply, see below.

To apply for energy assistance programs such as ARP, LIHEAP/USF and others, click here.

Customers who have applied for any payment assistance program by June 15 will be protected from service disconnection while their application is being processed. If you have applied by June 15, please contact PSE&G to let us know. Call us at 1-800-357-2262, or e-mail us at vouchers@pseg.com and include your name, account number, how you applied (online, on the phone, or in person), and either the confirmation number or the agency name.

PSE&G Deferred Payment Arrangements (DPAs)

• If you have an outstanding balance, you can catch up over time with a Deferred Payment Arrangement (DPA).
• A DPA allows you to pay your regular monthly payment, plus an amount toward your past-due balance.
• To make a DPA, visit pseg.com/MyAccount or call 800-357-2262. When asked, "What would you like help with today?" just say "payment arrangement."
• Representatives Available: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

More About Available Assistance Programs

For a list of all available programs, download here in English and Spanish or click below.
American Rescue Plan (ARP) or 844-930-1778

• Who is eligible: PSE&G residential customers who have past-due energy bills.
• Program overview: Provides credit for gas and electric bills.
• Deadline: Applications accepted until September 30.
• To apply, call 844-930-1778 or visit: NJ Department of Community Affairs

Universal Service Fund (USF) or 800-510-3102

• Who is eligible: PSE&G residential customers with a monthly gross income of less than $8,833, family of 4.
• Program overview: Provides $5 to $180 per month toward your bill. If you apply for LIHEAP, you are also applying for USF.
• Deadline: Applications are accepted year round.
• If you are eligible for Universal Service Fund (USF), you are eligible and automatically enrolled in the Fresh Start Program that provides forgiveness of past due balances.
• To apply, call 800-510-3102 or visit: Universal Service Fund (USF)

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or 800-510-3102

• Who is eligible: PSE&G residential heating customers with a monthly gross income of less than $6,439, for a family of 4 – even if heat is included in your rent. LIHEAP grants may also cover medically necessary cooling costs.
• Program overview: Provides an average of $300 toward your bill. You may also be eligible for USF.
• Deadline: Applications are accepted from October 1 until June 30.
• To apply, call 800-510-3102 or visit: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Payment Assistance Gas and Electric (PAGE) or 732-389-2204
Note: To quality for PAGE, you must first apply for LIHEAP and USF; if you meet the PAGE requirements, you can apply for PAGE.

• Who is eligible: PSE&G residential customers who have a past due bill of at least $100, or whose service has been disconnected for non-payment. Households with liquid assets of $15,000 or more will not be eligible for PAGE.
• Program overview: Provides credit for gas and electric bills.
• Deadline: Applications accepted year round.
• To apply, call 732-389-2204 or visit: Payment Assistance Gas and Electric (PAGE)

NJ SHARES (NJS) or 866-NJSHARES (657-4273)

• Who is eligible: PSE&G residential customers with a monthly gross income of less than $8,833, for a family of 4 (must be higher than LIHEAP or USF limits).
• Program overview: Provides up to $700 for electric and/or $700 for gas, depending on the balance owed on your bill.
• Deadline: Applications are accepted year round.
• To apply, call 866-NJSHARES (657-4273) or visit: NJ SHARES (NJS)

New Jersey Lifeline or 800-792-9745

• Who is eligible: PSE&G residential customers who are at least 65 years old, and disabled adults who are at least 18 years old and receiving Social Security Disability Title II. Annual gross income (not the household income) must be less than $38,769 if single or less than $45,270 if married.
• Program overview: Provides up to $225 yearly credit.
• Deadline: Applications are accepted year round.
• To apply, call 800-792-9745 or visit: New Jersey Lifeline

Need Help Completing an Application?

PSE&G is partnering with social service agencies to provide assistance in PSE&G Customer Service Centers. Representatives are available to help you complete your application. Click here to find the customer service center near you.

For more information and resources to help you manage your energy bill, visit pseg.com/help.

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PSE&G
Public Service Electric & Gas Co. (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and largest gas and electric delivery public utility, serving three-quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability in the Mid-Atlantic region. In 2020, PSE&G was named the most trusted combined gas & electric utility in the East Region, by the Cogent Syndicated Brand Trust Index. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company. PSEG has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for 14 consecutive years (www.pseg.com).

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