New Jersey Utility Bill Relief Programs and Executive Orders

Addressing Skyrocketing Utility Bills in New Jersey

• 💡 Governor Mikie Sherrill signed two executive orders on her inauguration day aimed at freezing utility rate hikes.
• ⚠️ Advocacy groups note that many companies increased rates before the governor was sworn in, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the orders.

Financial Assistance Programs Available

• 💰 New Jersey offers programs for low and moderate-income residents to help with utility bills.
• 🎯 The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the state's Universal Service Fund are available, with a single application for both.
• 📈 Eligibility for a single person is an income of $50,000 annually, and for a family of six, it's $126,000 annually.
• 💸 These programs provide a one-time payment towards utilities and an ongoing monthly credit on utility bills for qualified individuals.

Additional Support and Resources

• ❄️ New Jersey has a program to prevent utility shut-offs during the cold winter months.
• 🤝 Residents can arrange payment plans with their utility providers to catch up on overdue bills.
• 🏠 Programs are also available to help weatherize homes, replace windows, and remove lead paint for eligible residents.
• 💻 Information and applications for assistance programs can be found on the state's website, and renters can call 211 for application help.