AC Electric offers assistance paying electric bills

After a record cold winter and continued increases in energy supply costs, families and businesses across New Jersey are experiencing higher than average energy bills. Given these rising costs, Atlantic City Electric offers financial assistance to help manage these rising costs and maintain essential energy service.

“We know many of our customers are feeling the impact of higher energy bills, and we want them to know they’re not alone,” said David Vosvick, vice president of Customer Operations for Pepco Holdings, which includes Atlantic City Electric. “Our teams are working every day to connect customers with assistance programs that can help ease financial stress and provide relief right now. At the same time, we’re continuing to push for solutions that keep energy affordable over the long term. Most importantly, we want customers to reach out—help is available, and we’re here to support them.”

Through The Exelon Promise, Atlantic City Electric recently expanded its $4.5 million Customer Relief Fund to offer a one-time grant of up to $500 to eligible customers. Thousands have already received assistance, and funding is still available.

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps income-eligible households pay their home energy bills. Assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted, and customers do not need to be past due on their bills to qualify. Grant amounts vary up to $1,278 annually depending on household income, fuel type and living situation. Homeowners, renters, roomers, and subsidized housing residents may all be eligible.

Customers can review eligibility requirements and apply for LIHEAP and the Universal Service Fund (USF) through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs by visiting its website and selecting Atlantic City Electric or by calling 1-800- 510-3102.

The Universal Service Fund helps ensure energy bills are more affordable for eligible customers. Eligibility requirements for USF have recently changed. The Fresh Start arrearage forgiveness portion of the program is also open to past participants. Call 1-800-510-3102 or visit energyassistance.nj.gov for information.

SHARES also offers assistance for eligible customers needing temporary assistance as well as the Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) program for those facing financial crisis. Visit sharesnation.com or call 1-866-657-4273 to apply.

Additional help for customers is available through several federal and state programs.

• Assistance Finder tool, which helps identify bill assistance and energy efficiency programs that customers may qualify for.
• Single Stop, which helps customers quickly and privately check if they qualify for other benefits, including help with housing, money, food, school, healthcare, childcare, taxes, utility bills, and more. Customers can access the tool anytime on their phone, tablet, or computer.
• High-usage alerts enable customers to receive notifications when their usage is trending higher than normal, helping them manage overall energy use. Additionally, energy-management tips are available to help customers save money now and on future energy bills.
• Energy efficiency offerings are available, including services and incentives designed to help income-eligible residential customers reduce energy use now and in the long term.

Customers who do not qualify for LIHEAP or need additional support are encouraged to contact Atlantic City Electric’s Customer Care team at 1-800-642-3780 or through the company’s online customer support portal. Customers can also visit Atlantic City Electric’s Community Events Calendar for upcoming opportunities for one-on-one support and to learn more about assistance programs.

To learn more about Atlantic City Electric, visit The Source, Atlantic City Electric’s online newsroom.