New Jersey Residents Can Seek Expanded Gas and Electric Bill Relief

New Jersey households that qualify may now receive as much as $200 per month in help with gas and electric bills through the state’s Universal Service Fund (USF), and the Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is encouraging eligible residents to apply, ROI-NJ reported.

The program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and is aimed at low- and moderate-income households. In a press release, the board said applications for the new program year opened at the start of the month.

Benefit Increases

The minimum monthly credit for both gas and electricity has increased to $20 from $5. The total monthly maximum also climbed, rising from $180 to $200. Both changes were approved by the board last year.

USF is structured so that eligible households pay no more than 3% of their income toward energy costs, up to the program cap. Enrollment also makes households eligible for the USF-Fresh Start debt forgiveness program and protections against utility shutoffs during the winter and summer months.

How Residents Can Apply

Households may submit one application for both USF and the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) at www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid, and they can receive assistance from both programs at the same time.

Income limits and other eligibility information are available at www.energyassistance.nj.gov. Residents can also call 1-800-510-3102 for questions about eligibility, local in-person help, or the status of an application. The LIHEAP application window runs through June 30, 2027, and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis while funds remain available.

“Affordability is at the center of everything we’re doing at the Board, and that means making sure New Jersey families can access the aid they need to manage their utility bills,” NJBPU President Ben Hertz-Shargel said in the announcement, which was also carried by WRNJ Radio.

Utilities Ordered to Assist New Applicants

The board has directed the state’s seven gas and electric utilities to help first-time applicants complete enrollment. Over a three-year period, the companies are required to meet enrollment growth goals through direct outreach to customers.

During the last program year, the utilities surpassed the initial statewide target by enrolling more than 8,000 first-time USF participants combined. Each utility must also submit an annual outreach plan and a performance report detailing progress.

Some utilities have hosted regular enrollment days at payment centers, senior centers and houses of worship. Others have deployed mobile assistance units for communities or households needing one-on-one support.

The utilities are also promoting the Comfort Partners program, which offers qualifying residents free home energy assessments and efficiency upgrades. According to the board, those improvements reduce energy costs and can lessen reliance on aid programs.

DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez said in the same announcement that the department urges eligible residents to apply for USF and LIHEAP benefits and to use the resources available to make energy bills more affordable.

Winter Shutoff Protections

Separately, NJBPU’s Winter Termination Program shields eligible households from utility shutoffs from Nov. 15 through March 15. Customers can contact their utility during that period to request enrollment.

More information about customer protections and assistance programs is available at www.nj.gov/bpu/assistance/programs/.