Translator Disclaimers
For Immediate Release: Contact: Peter Peretzman
Date: 11/15/2019 609-984-9707

 

Trenton, N.J.—The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) reminds the state’s utility customers that its annual Winter Termination Program begins on Friday, November 15, and is available for eligible residential customers to prevent natural gas and electric utility service shutoffs during the winter season. The program, which is administered by NJBPU, runs from November 15 through March 15.

 

“No one should be left in the cold due to financial hardship,” said Joseph L. Fiordaliso, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. “The Winter Termination Program protects families during our coldest months, ensuring that their heat remains on until spring.”

 

All customers who enroll in the Winter Termination Program are required to establish a 12-month budget payment plan with their utility and should make every effort to post payments while enrolled in the program. While service cannot be terminated during the winter moratorium, customers are responsible for their utility bill balance once the Winter Termination Program ends on March 15.

 

Customers who receive benefits from any of the following programs are eligible to enroll in the Winter Termination Program:

 

• Lifeline Credit;

• Federal Home Energy Assistance;

• Work First New Jersey-Temporary Assistance to Needy Families;

• Federal Supplemental Security Income;

• Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled;

• Work First New Jersey/General Assistance Benefits; and

• Universal Service Fund.

 

The program is also available for customers who fall into a “catch-all” category of those unable to pay their utility bills because of circumstances beyond their control, such as unemployment, death of a wage-earner, or illness.

 

In addition to enrolling in the Winter Termination Program, customers in need can seek utility bill assistance from several other available programs. More information about these programs can be found on the NJBPU website at www.bpu.state.nj.us/bpu/assistance/programs/

 

About the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU)
NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents.
To find out more about NJBPU, visit our web site at
www.nj.gov/bpu.

  

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