If you are facing challenges paying your energy bill, don’t worry. You have options. We know that COVID-19 has impacted all our customers and put a strain on the local economy. Below are some energy assistance options offered through us and our community partners.

Payment Arrangements & Due Date Extensions

If you’re facing challenges, your first step should be to apply for payment arrangements or to receive a due date extension. We’re here to work with you and make arrangements that fit your current situation. You can apply directly through My Account or call us at 800-642-3780.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

After setting up payment arrangements, see if you are eligible for assistance through the LIHEAP program, which can provide you with more than $1,000 in grant support— depending on your household’s income size, type of fuel and type of dwelling—with no pay back required. You can apply for assistance by downloading an application though the Department of Community Affairs website, by contacting your local LIHEAP Agency, or by calling 1-800-510-3102. The 2020-2021 LIHEAP application period opened Oct. 1.

Additional Low-Income Assistance

Once you have applied for LIHEAP, check to see if additional programs are available to you.

• Helping Hands – You can apply for a Helping Hands grant through the Affordable Housing Alliance, New Jersey SHARES, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Camden, or the People for People Foundation. This program is funded by us specifically for our customers and provides $1 million annually to help struggling customers meet their energy needs.
• The Universal Service Fund (USF) – You can apply as part of the LIHEAP application process by calling 800-510-3102 or visiting energyassistance.nj.gov. USF helps make energy bills more affordable for low-income customers and provides benefits that can help you reduce your electricity bills.
• Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) – If you are a low-to-moderate income customer experiencing a temporary financial crisis that is making it difficult to pay your electric bills, the PAGE program can help. For more information, call 732-982-8710 or visit njpoweron.org.
• New Jersey SHARES – NJ SHARES can provide you assistance with your energy, telephone and water bills. Visit njshares.org or call 866-657-4273 for details to see if you are eligible.

Additional Assistance for Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities

• Lifeline – If you are a senior citizen or adult with disabilities, you can take advantage of Lifeline, a utility assistance program that offers $225 if you meet certain guidelines. This assistance is available for utility customers and tenants whose utility bills are included in their rent. Call 1-800-792-9745 for details.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs provides self-screening tool for you to determine what energy assistance benefits you may qualify for.  Screening is anonymous and only takes about one to two minutes to complete. You will need to provide income information.  To get started click on the link  https://www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid.

For more information on available energy assistance options and other resources, visit atlanticcityelectric.com/assistanceprogramsNJ.