Community Corner
Need assistance paying your energy bill? PSE&G is here to help.
Learn about programs and services that can help make it easier to pay your energy bills.
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Visit: pseg.com/help
We understand that many of our customers are struggling to pay their energy bills. At PSE&G, we’re working hard to keep energy costs as low as possible – in fact we lowered gas rates three times in 2023. We also have programs designed to help customer reduce energy use, manage costs and we help income eligible customers access available assistance programs.
As the state’s largest utility, we have over 2.4 million electric and 1.9 million natural gas customers in more than 300 urban, suburban and rural communities, including New Jersey's six largest cities.
Our Payment Assistance Outreach team is committed to ensuring that customers are educated about payment assistance and energy efficiency programs through customer communications, community partnerships and community events. In 2023, we supported over 100 community events including program sign-ups and education/training sessions. Last year, over 200,000 of our customers received energy assistance, totaling $218 million. Through the Fresh Start Program, $92 million in outstanding balances were forgiven.
Even with the gas reductions, we recognize many customers may be struggling to pay bills in the current economic state and we encourage them to take advantage of all available assistance including LIHEAP and the New Jersey Universal Service – see information below, or visit: pseg.com/help.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, LIHEAP Data Warehouse only 27% of New Jersey’s income-eligible population received energy assistance in 2022*.
We recently hosted our first of five energy assistance and energy efficiency application enrollment days for Newark residents partnering with the following NJ Department of Community Affairs agencies and staff: La Casa de Don Pedro, United Community Corporation and St James Social Services. Newark residents received personal support with completing applications for energy assistance and information about energy efficiency programs.
Additionally, NJ SHARES offered information and assistance for water bills and gas/electric bills for those with moderate income households. We were joined by Honeywell who enrolled customers for the NJ Comfort Partners Program and PSE&G’s Home Weatherization Program.
If you or someone you know is behind on your bill, it is important to act quickly. Review and share the information below about available resources and assistance programs.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)**
LIHEAP helps customers pay for winter heating bills and medically-necessary cooling costs, even if heating is part of your rent. Income-eligible customers can receive an average of $400 toward their PSE&G bill. LIHEAP applications are accepted October 1 – June 30. If you apply for LIHEAP, you are also applying for USF.
Universal Service Fund (USF)**
USF helps make energy bills more affordable. Income-eligible customers can receive a $5 to $180 monthly USF credit toward their PSE&G bill. The USF Fresh Start Program (FSP) also offers forgiveness of past-due balances of over $60. Applications are accepted year-round.
LIHEAP and USF income limits (before taxes)
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limits |
| 1 | $3,676 |
| 2 | $4,807 |
| 3 | $5,938 |
| 4 | $7,069 |
To apply online for LIHEAP and USF, visit pseg.com/energyassistance.
Download an application at pseg.com/liheapapp.
To find a local social-service agency that can process your application, call 1-800-510-3102.
NJ Lifeline Credit Program for Senior Citizens**
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 yearly credit. The Lifeline income limits (not the household income) for 2024 will be less than $52,142 for a single person and less than $59,209 if married. Applications are accepted year-round. To apply online, visit aging.nj.gov or call 1-800-792-9745.
NJ SHARES (NJS) Energy Assistance Grants**
Income-eligible customers with an outstanding balance on their energy bill, can receive assistance from NJS of up to $3,800 through the following three grants:
- NJ Board of Utilities Payment Assistance Gas and Electric (NJ BPU PAGE)
- NJS SMART Utility Assistance
- NJS Energy Assistance
To apply for NJ BPU PAGE and NJS SMART Utility Assistance, you must first apply and be approved for LIHEAP and USF. If you do not qualify for LIHEAP and USF or have been denied, you may be eligible for NJS Energy Assistance.
NJ SHARES – monthly gross income (before taxes)
| Household size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| NJ BPU PAGE Program NJ SHARES SMART Utility Assistance | $6,127 | $8,012 | $9,897 | $11,782 |
| NJ SHARES Energy Assistance | $5,020 | $6,813 | $8,607 | $10,400 |
A “good faith” payment of up to $100 may be required within 90 days prior to applying.
For more information or to apply online, visit njshares.org or call 1-866-NJSHARES (657-4273).
Below are some resources, programs and services provided by PSE&G:
Life-Sustaining Equipment
If you (or a member of your household) rely on electricity to operate life-sustaining equipment, please notify PSE&G. Visit pseg.com/life or call 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).
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. Call 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) to sign up.
Equal Payment Plan (EPP)
The EPP estimates your yearly energy costs (based on last year’s usage) and divides the total into 12 equal monthly payments. Visit pseg.com/epp or call 1-888-275-PSEG (7734).
Deferred Payment Arrangements
If you need help paying a past due balance, a DPA allows you to pay your regular monthly payment, plus a portion of your past-due balance over an agreed-upon period. Visit pseg.com/MyAccount or call 1-800-357-2262.
* Data are current as of June 30, 2023. For more information, see https://liheappm.acf.hhs.gov/.
**Participation in these programs is subject to terms and conditions. PSE&G does not administer these programs.
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