(NEWARK, NJ – May 21, 2020) During these times of hardship, PSE&G reminds its customers that energy assistance is available to households that meet certain income guidelines and other eligibility requirements. Customers can apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) until July 31, 2020. The State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs administers the LIHEAP program through county-based state-designated agencies.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released $900 million dollars in LIHEAP crisis funding appropriated in the CARES Act. The LIHEAP allocation charts for states and territories and Native American tribes and organizations.
The federally-funded LIHEAP program assists financially constrained New Jersey customers with heating and medically-necessary cooling costs. In addition, as of March 16, 2020, LIHEAP gas or electric heating customers behind on their PSE&G bills can apply for emergency LIHEAP funding if they qualify.
“There are several annual programs available to assist those who struggle to pay their utility bills. In particular, we encourage low income families to get help by applying for LIHEAP,” said Fred Daum, executive director, Customer Operations for PSE&G. “Under LIHEAP, those who qualify may receive an average of $300 toward their heating bills and $200 toward medically-necessary cooling costs.”
Qualifications for LIHEAP benefits are based on last month’s household gross income, household size and primary heating source. You may qualify if you own a house or if heating costs are included in your monthly rent. To be eligible for LIHEAP benefits, the applicant’s household gross income must meet the monthly income limits listed below, and recipients must re-apply each year. For example, a family of four with an income of $4,292 or less per month may be eligible and should apply.
LIHEAP
For more information, or, to download a LIHEAP application, or find out where to apply, visit our website or call 1-800-510-3102 or 211. Applications and copies of all requested documents must be submitted by email or mail to the designated LIHEAP in-take agency not later than July 31, 2020.
Universal Service Fund
The LIHEAP application is also an application for the Universal Service Fund (USF). USF is a state program that can lower the amount low-income households pay for gas and electric bills with a monthly credit of $5 to $150. USF applications are accepted year-round.
Other Programs
PSE&G households that are not eligible for low-income programs and are behind in their PSE&G bill should visit www.pseg.com/help for other programs like the Payment Assistance Gas & Electric Grant or NJ SHARES.
Payment Assistance Gas & Electric (PAGE)
1-855-465-8783
Customers may benefit from combined assistance (gas and electric) of up to $1,500/year toward their past-due bill in a 12-month period. To be eligible, customers must have a past-due electric or gas utility bill, cannot be in the process of seeking or receiving LIHEAP and USF, and have not received such assistance in the past year. For additional program guidelines or to apply online, visit njpoweron.org.
NJ SHARES (NJS)
1-866-NJSHARES (657-4273)
Customers with a household income higher than LIHEAP or USF income limits, and lower than the NJS income limits, may apply.
For more information about income limits or to apply online, visit njshares.org.
To qualify for PAGE or NJS, applicant must:
- have a balance on your PSE&G bill
- meet income eligibility and program guidelines
- have a history of ‘good faith’ payments.
PAGE and NJS applications are accepted year-round.
NJ Lifeline Credit Program
1-800-792-9745
Lifeline helps senior customers who are at least 65 years old, or disabled customers who are at least 18 years old and receiving Social Security Title II Disability, with a $225 utility bill credit.
Lifeline applications are accepted year-round. To apply online, www.aging.nj.gov.
PSE&G Programs & Services
Life-Sustaining Equipment
If you qualify for assistance for medically-necessary cooling costs or are on life-sustaining medical equipment, ensure that you have alerted PSE&G and notify your local police and fire departments. For more information, visit pseg.com/life. It’s important that you notify PSE&G if there is life-sustaining equipment in your home that relies on electricity to operate. Download the Life-Sustaining Equipment Certification form for completion by a physician and return it for PSE&G review.
For more information:
- Call 1-800-436-PSEG (7734)
- Visit pseg.com/life
Equal Payment Plan (EPP) The EPP lets you pay the same amount each month for your PSE&G bill. You pay for the exact amount of energy you use, but the total cost is spread equally throughout the year.
To enroll:
- Call 1-888-275-PSEG (7734)
- Visit pseg.com/epp
Third Party Notification Program
Are you concerned that an aging, ill or disabled family member could overlook a PSE&G bill payment? PSE&G’s Third-party Notification Program will let you know if a loved one’s bill is late.
To notify PSE&G:
If you continue to have problems paying your PSE&G bills:
- Call 1-800-357-2262 to speak to someone at PSE&G
- Visit pseg.com/help
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PSE&G
Public Service Electric and 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. 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 12 consecutive years.