New Jersey provides programs that can help lower your bills.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP or HEA is a federally funded program that helps low-moderate income households pay for heating costs (all fuel types). Even if your heat is included in your rent, you may qualify. LIHEAP grants are also available for medically necessary cooling costs. Applications are accepted from October 1 through June 30 while funds last. Administered by the Department of Community Affairs.
Universal Service Fund (USF)
USF is a program that provides monthly credits on income eligible residential electric and natural gas bills. The USF-Fresh Start Program provides eligible USF customers with an opportunity to earn forgiveness on their overdue balances. USF is administered by the Department of Community Affairs. Fresh Start is administered by the gas/electric companies and made possible by the Board of Public Utilities.
Lifeline Program
The Lifeline Utility Assistance Program is for eligible low-income senior citizens and the disabled. Lifeline benefits help eligible homeowners and renters with electric and natural gas costs. Apply online with the NJSave application at: www.aging.nj.gov or call 1-800-792-9745. Administered by the Department of Human Services and made possible by the Board of Public Utilities.
Payment Assistance for Gas & Electric (PAGE)
PAGE grants help gas and electric customers prevent disconnection of service or restore service. If income eligible for USF or LIHEAP, apply for those programs first before seeking additional assistance through PAGE. To apply online or review eligibility requirements, visit: www.njshares.org or call 866-657-4273. Administered by NJ SHARES and made possible by the NJ Department of Treasury and the NJ Board of Public Utilities. NJ SHARES is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to income-eligible New Jersey households for paying their energy, telephone, broadband (internet), water, and wastewater bills.
Winter Termination Program (WTP)
WTP protects residential customers from disconnection of natural gas, electric, water and sewer service from November 15th - March 15th if they participate in: USF, LIHEAP, Lifeline, Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD), Work First New Jersey/Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, or Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Also, persons unable to pay their utility bills because of circumstances beyond their control may request the protection of WTP. Customers should make every effort to pay as much of their bill as possible during the WTP period to avoid a large overdue balance at the end of the WTP. How do I enroll in WTP? Call your utility company to request WTP protection. For more information, or if you have a complaint about your utility company, call the Board of Public Utilities at 800-624-0241.
Don’t delay! Apply for utility assistance today. Self-screen for utility, rental or other assistance by visiting www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid or calling 2-1-1.
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