MAYS LANDING – Millions of dollars are available across New Jersey to help customers struggling with their energy bills, and Atlantic City Electric customers must act now to secure their support.
According to a release, Atlantic City Electric customers can apply for assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)to receive $1,000 or more in grant support toward their energy bill.
“We are committed to helping every customer keep their lights on and make ends meet,” stated Gary Stockbridge, Atlantic City Electric region president. “Each year, LIHEAP provides a crucial resource for customers that need financial support and our teams work extremely hard, hand in hand with local community organizations, to make sure customers are aware of this vital funding. It is important for customers to apply as early as possible to ensure they receive the assistance they need.”
Last program year alone, Atlantic City Electric helped secure more than $6.5 million in support to help customers who were struggling, pay for their energy service.
LIHEAP provides grants in varying amounts based on a household’s income size, type of fuel, and type of dwelling, with no pay back required. Eligibility is based on a customer’s annual household income and size.
A customer’s annual household income cannot exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines. Homeowners, renters, roomers, and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible.
Customers do not have to be behind on their bills to receive a grant. New Jersey’s eligibility requirements are as follows:
• $24,984 – One-person household
• $33,828 – Two-person household
• $42,660 – Three-person household
• $51,504 – Four-person household South Jersey residents can apply for assistance online though the Department of Community Affairs website, by contacting their local LIHEAP Agency, or by calling 1-800-510-3102.
Other programs supporting Atlantic City Electric customers include:
• The Universal Service Fund (USF) that helps make energy bills more affordable for lowincome customers. USF provides benefits that can help customers reduce their natural gas and electricity bills.
Customers can apply as part of the LIHEAP application process. Call 1-800-510-3102 or visit energyassistance.nj.gov for details.
• Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) can help low-to-moderate customers who are experiencing a temporary financial crisis assistance covering their natural gas and electric bills. For more information, call 732-982-8710 or visit njpoweron.org.
• New Jersey SHARES is a nonprofit corporation that provides assistance to income eligible New Jersey households with energy, telephone and water bills. Visit njshares.org or call 1-866-657-4273 for details.
• Senior citizens and disabled adults can take advantage of Lifeline, a utility assistance program that offers $225 to persons who meet certain income guidelines. This benefit includes utility customers as well as tenants whose utility bills are included in their rent. Call 1-800-792-9745 for details.
Eligible customers also can receive financial assistance through Helping Hands, a program, funded by Atlantic City Electric, providing $1 million annually to help struggling customers meet their energy needs.
These funds are dispersed each year to low-income residents through the Affordable Housing Alliance, New Jersey SHARES, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Camden, and the People for People Foundation.
Through Atlantic City Electric’s Gift of Energy program, anyone can make a payment towards a friend or family member’s energy bill. The gift will appear on a future bill as a credit to the recipient’s account.
Atlantic City Electric will work with customers who may have difficulty paying their energy bill. Customers can contact Atlantic City Electric Customer Care at 1-800-642-3780 to ask about available resources or register for My Account, a web-based interactive tool that provides customers with a detailed analysis of their specific electric use and offers ways to save money and energy. Readers are encouraged to visit The Source, Atlantic City Electric’s online news room.
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