Translator Disclaimers
For Immediate Release: Contact: Peter Peretzman
Date: 06/08/2022 609-900-5626
NJ Board of Public Utilities President Conducts Public Event with Camden Mayor to Encourage Participation
Trenton, NJ—New Jersey Board of Utilities (NJBPU) President Joseph L. Fiordaliso and Camden Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen urged local residents who are behind on their utility bill payments to either apply for State assistance programs or to contact their utility to sign up for a payment plan.

 

President Fiordaliso and Mayor Carstarphen appeared at an event at Camden City Hall providing utility customers an opportunity to sign up for utility assistance programs onsite with representatives from NJBPU and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

 

“We know there are still many New Jerseyans who are behind on paying their utilities and we’re encouraging them to apply for assistance as we approach the summer months,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as DCA Commissioner. “Electricity and running water are absolutely essential for the health and well-being of everyone and we don’t want to see anyone lose access to these critical services. Help is available.”

 

“Time is running out for anyone who is behind on their utility bills to make arrangements before their service is disconnected,” said NJBPU President Fiordaliso. “If individuals with overdue balances apply for an assistance program by June 14, their service will not be disconnected while their application is pending. Individuals may also contact their utility to set up a payment plan. We don’t want to see anyone lose their service, so we are hopeful everyone who is behind on their bill will take action this week.”

 

“I applaud our partners at the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and the Department of Community Affairs for their efforts to increase residents’ awareness of the various programs available to support those who have fallen behind on their utility bills,” said Mayor Carstarphen.

 

 “Today’s registration event served as a great opportunity for many of Camden’s families to receive much-needed help via payment assistance and deferred payment programs. The Mayor added, “No family deserves to be without power or water. I urge all residents who need utility assistance to apply for an assistance program or sign up for a payment plan by June 14.”

 

Legislation signed by the Governor in March provides certain shut off protections to electric, gas, water and sewer customers who file an application for state-administered utility assistance  by June 14, one week from today. The legislation also requires all utilities to offer a 12-month, no money down, interest-free payment plan to customers prior to disconnecting service or imposing liens for non-payment of arrearages that have accrued prior to December 31, 2021 or longer depending on the circumstances.

 

Statewide there are more than 903,000 residential gas and electric customers who collectively owe more than $700 million, much of which is a result of economic hardships brought on by the impact of the COVID pandemic. There are also more than 156,000 overdue residential water accounts, which owe nearly $50 million.

 

Over the last year, New Jersey has taken substantial steps to help those who have been unable to pay their bills during the pandemic. These steps include a significant expansion of the State assistance programs to provide needed help to more families.

 

Changes made to the State Universal Service Program (USF) included raising the income limits from 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 400 percent FPL. For a family of four, the income limit for USF is now $106,000 annually. Other changes include raising monthly USF benefit caps to $180 and enrolling any USF customer with an overdue balance of $60 or more into the State’s energy debt forgiveness program “Fresh Start.”

 

The Board also expanded the Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) program, which had historically been for moderate-income families, to offer supplemental assistance to low income families. The State has also earmarked $250M from the Federal American Rescue Plan Program for utility assistance.

 

During the course of the pandemic NJBPU has also conducted significant public outreach including events, announcements and social media campaigns to make customers aware of the assistance that are available to them. The outreach includes events in other high arrearages cities and an online event for social service agencies.

 

Those who would like to apply for assistance are invited to go to DCA’s website to apply online or go to www.energyassistance.nj.gov for detailed program information.  

 

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 website at www.nj.gov/bpu.