Newsroom & Public Notices

Enhanced Universal Service Fund quadruples minimum monthly credits, provides immediate support for 136,000 New Jersey households

PASSAIC, N.J. – (October 1, 2025) –The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) announced Wednesday the start of a major expansion of the Universal Service Fund while connecting hundreds of Passaic County residents directly with bill assistance.

At the Passaic County Utility Assistance Day held Wednesday at the Boys and Girls Club of Passaic County, NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy unveiled details of the enhanced USF program that quadruples minimum monthly credits from $5 to $20 and raises maximum combined benefits to $200 per month—providing immediate relief to 136,000 households across the state.

“As electricity costs are on the rise and federal uncertainty puts programs like LiHEAP at risk, the Universal Service Fund is even more critical than ever,” NJBPU President Guhl-Sadovy said. “The expanded USF program will provide even greater benefits and ensure the utilities do their part to connect residents to this important program.”

The announcement comes as New Jersey actively addresses rising electricity costs stemming from growing demand - particularly from data centers - combined with supply shortages and delayed integration of clean energy projects in the PJM regional grid. This action builds on the historic $430 million in direct bill relief unveiled this summer to help customers manage cost increases.

"I commend the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and its partners for hosting this wonderful event to assist Passaic County families struggling with high energy costs," said Senator John McKeon. "Events like this are a crucial way to connect with residents in need directly. By bringing together representatives from various programs to help navigate the application process, the NJBPU has successfully created a one-stop shop to get people the relief they urgently need."

"Utility Assistance Day is about putting money back in the pockets of the people," said Passaic Mayor Hector C. Lora. "This is a free event that connects our residents with programs that lower their bills and cut their costs. It is long-term savings that give families more breathing room each month."

Expanded USF: From Crisis Response to Proactive Protection

The Universal Service Fund was established through New Jersey's 1999 Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act (EDECA), which created a permanent fund to address low-income energy needs. Beginning operations in Fiscal Year 2004, USF’s core mission has been to ensure that income-eligible New Jersey utility customers pay no more than six percent of their annual income for combined natural gas and electric service.

For years the program struggled with low enrollment and benefits that failed to keep pace with rising energy costs and keep energy expenses below the six percent threshold.

Officially expanded in June 2025, the strengthened USF represents a fundamental reimagining of how New Jersey delivers on energy affordability. The enhanced program now provides:

• Quadrupled minimum monthly credits from $5 to $20 for eligible households -addressing years of inadequate support
• Increased maximum combined benefit to $200 per month- up from previous caps that left high-need families underserved
• Mandatory utility outreach to actively enroll thousands of qualifying residents who remain unserved reversing previous passive enrollment approaches
• Immediate support for 136,000 households currently enrolled, with increased relief for thousands near the previous benefit cap
• Streamlined application process that reduces bureaucratic barriers that historically deterred applicants

Comprehensive Support Available Today and Beyond

Wednesday's Utility Assistance Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Club at 14 Hudson Street will offer residents hands-on assistance with enrollment in multiple programs, including:

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Federal heating/cooling aid for low-income households
• NJ SHARES: Emergency energy grants for those in crisis
• Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE): Aid for moderate-income households behind on bills
• Comfort Partners: Free home upgrades to lower utility costs

Other participating organizations include Public Service Electric & Gas, Paterson Task Force, Passaic County Weatherization, SHARES, and NJ Clean Energy.

"Utility costs continue to put pressure on households in Passaic County and across New Jersey," said New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. "We want residents to know that help is within reach. Programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Universal Service Fund can ease the burden, and applying is straightforward."

"Many of the individuals and families that we serve at the New Jersey Department of Human Services are eligible for utility assistance but may not know it," said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. "I encourage residents concerned about higher utility bills to attend this informative event to learn what assistance may be available."

Can't Attend? Help Is Still Available

For those unable to attend today's event, information on all programs is available by calling 2-1-1 or applying online at www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid. Those with complaints or concerns regarding their utility company can call the NJBPU at 800-624-0241 or file online at www.nj.gov/bpu.

More than 9,700 residents have attended Utility Assistance Days across New Jersey, including recent events in Ewing, Cliffside Park, Linden, Burlington City, Phillipsburg, and Bridgeton. Additional information about all assistance programs can be found on the NJBPU assistance programs page:www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities

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.