NEWARK, NJ – Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest utility, has procedures in place to help furloughed federal employees and other customers who are facing financial difficulty during winter months. Customers having trouble paying their bills are urged to call customer service to discuss their situations. PSE&G is prepared to extend 60-day grace periods to customers seeking assistance who meet criteria, including financial hardship due to circumstances beyond their control.
“The federal government shutdown is a reminder of circumstances in which our customers can face financial hardships. During the 60-day period, customer accounts will be locked and protected from shut off,” said Greg Dunlap, PSE&G vice president of customer operations. “Our customer service representatives also are prepared to discuss procedures for establishing payment schedules, should such arrangements be needed.”
Customer service representatives also will inform customers who are under the grace period to call back if they need an extension. The PSE&G Collections Department line is 1-800-357-2262.
PSE&G also reminds customers experiencing financial hardship that there are several programs that offer support for paying utilities, including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) run by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
For more information or to download a LIHEAP application or find out where to apply, visit our website or call 1-800-510-3102 or 211. Applications are also available at PSE&G’s 16 walk-in Customer Service Centers. Applications and copies of all requested documents must be submitted by mail or in person to the designated LIHEAP in-take agency by August 31, 2019.
UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND (USF)
The LIHEAP application is also an application for the Universal Service Fund (USF). USF is a program created by the State of New Jersey that can lower the amount low-income households pay for gas and electric bills with a monthly credit of $5 to $150. Applications for USF are accepted year-round.
OTHER PROGRAMS
PSE&G households who are not eligible for low income programs and are behind in their PSE&G bill should visit www.pseg.com/help for other programs like the PAGE Grant or NJ SHARES. Seniors over age of 65 or disabled adults collecting Social Security Disability may be eligible for the New Jersey Lifeline Credit program. NJ Lifeline provides a $225 yearly credit on your PSE&G bill.