Energy assistance funding available until Dec. 30

Atlantic City Electric offers energy assistance for those in need.

MAYS LANDING Atlantic City Electric residential customers must take action before Dec. 30 or they will lose out on millions of dollars in free funding to help pay their energy bill. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs recently announced the deadline for taking advantage of the New Jersey Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program American Rescue Plan Utility Relief (ARP-LIHEAP) was extended to Dec. 30, or until money runs out. With the application deadline fast approaching, customers can receive funding on a first come, first served basis, but they must act now.

ARP-LIHEAP is a federally funded temporary arrearage program that helps limited-to moderate- income households with their overdue electric and gas payments. Residents can apply for this free funding by visiting the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs website. Millions of dollars remain available to help qualified Atlantic City Electric customers.

South Jersey residents can also apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that 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. Homeowners, renters, and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible. Customers do not have to be behind on their bills to receive a grant.

Residents can apply for LIHEAP assistance by downloading an application though the Department of Community Affairs website, by contacting their local LIHEAP Agency, or by calling 800-510-3102.

New Jersey's monthly LIHEAP eligibility requirements are as follows:

• $3,348 - One-person household


• $4,379 - Two-person household


• $5,409 - Three-person household


• $6,439 - Four-person household

While applying for LIHEAP, qualified residents can also apply for the Universal Service Fund (USF) and may qualify for the Fresh Start energy debt forgiveness program that allows eligible New Jersey households participating in USF to earn forgiveness for pre-existing arrearages by making full, on-time payments on their current monthly charges.

Additional state and federal energy assistance programs are also available.

• Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides temporary rental and utility assistance to limited and moderate-income households that have had a substantial reduction in income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers rental and utility assistance to help New Jersey residents avoid eviction or loss of service. Call 211 for more information.


• The Universal Service Fund (USF) helps ensure energy bills are more affordable for eligible customers. Call 800-510-3102 or visit energyassistance.nj.gov for details.


• 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 866-657-4273 for details.


• The Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) program provides relief on natural gas and electric bills for limited-to moderate-income New Jersey households that are experiencing a temporary financial crisis. For more information, call 732-982-8710 or visit njpoweron.org.


• Lifeline is 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 800-792-9745 or visit aging.nj.gov for details.

For more information about energy assistance programs, visit atlanticcityelectric.com/Help.

Atlantic City Electric also is urging customers who are past due on their Atlantic City Electric bill to contact the company as soon as possible. Atlantic City Electric's Customer Care representatives will work with every customer who may have difficulty paying their energy bill to set up flexible payment arrangements that offer individually tailored payment installment plans. Customers should call 800-642-3780 to review payment options.