AC Electric offers energy assistance programs

MAYS LANDING Many energy assistance programs are available for Atlantic City Electric customers who may be facing challenges paying their energy bill due to the impact of COVID-19, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which is still available through July 31. With the application deadline fast approaching, customers are encouraged to apply this week to take advantage of the available LIHEAP funding. Customers can receive more than $1,000 in grant support through LIHEAP toward their energy bill by applying for assistance.

We are committed to helping all our customers meet their energy needs and manage their bills, said Gary Stockbridge, Atlantic City Electric region president. If customers are facing challenges, we encourage them to review the different programs and billing options we offer and take advantage of available energy assistance. Our Customer Care team is ready to help all customers review their payment options and support them in managing their energy needs.

Atlantic City Electric works closely with its community partners to connect customers with grants and programs like LIHEAP. More than $1,000 in grant support is still available for customers, depending on a household's income size, type of fuel, and type of dwelling, with no pay back required. South Jersey residents can apply for assistance by downloading an application though the Department of Community Affairs website, by contacting their local LIHEAP Agency, or by calling 1-800-510-3102. The new LIHEAP period will open Oct. 1.

Atlantic City Electric Customer Care will work with customers who may have difficulty paying their energy bill. The company offers payment options, like Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period to help customers manage their monthly energy bill, or flexible payment arrangements that offer individually tailored payment installment plans. Contact Atlantic City Electric at 800-642-3780 to review payment options.

Other programs supporting Atlantic City Electric customers include:

• The Universal Service Fund (USF) that helps make energy bills more affordable for low-income 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 org.


• New Jersey SHARES is a nonprofit corporation that provides assistance to income eligible New Jersey households with energy, telephone and water bills. Visit 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.