New Jersey activates Winter Termination Program, protecting eligible households from utility shutoffs through March 15
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announced Friday that the state’s Winter Termination Program is now active, protecting eligible households from having their electric, gas, water or sewer services shut off through March 15.
The 2025–2026 program, which begins November 15 and runs through March 15, ensures that vulnerable residents facing financial hardship continue to receive essential utility services during the coldest months of the year. The initiative is administered by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities in partnership with the Department of Community Affairs.
“For more than two decades, the Winter Termination Program has been a critical safety net for New Jersey families during the most challenging months of the year,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “This program reflects our commitment to ensuring that no New Jerseyan has to choose between paying their utility bills and meeting other essential needs during the winter months. We encourage all eligible residents to contact their utility providers today to secure this vital protection.”
The WTP was formally established for electric and gas utilities in 2008, expanding earlier protections dating back to at least 2003. Last winter, approximately 283,738 gas, electric, water and sewer customers were protected under the program.
Protections were further expanded in 2021 when Gov. Phil Murphy extended shutoff protections to water and sewer customers under NJBPU jurisdiction, creating a comprehensive statewide program that covers all major utility services.
New Jersey remains one of several states with dedicated seasonal utility shutoff protections, particularly across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.
“New Jersey’s Winter Termination Program stands as a model among state utility protection initiatives,” Guhl-Sadovy added. “While each state tailors its program to local conditions and needs, we all share the same fundamental goal: ensuring that no family loses access to heat, power, or water during the winter months. New Jersey’s comprehensive approach—covering electric, gas, water, and sewer services—represents one of the most expansive protections in the nation.”
“We are here to help New Jersey families navigate these challenging times,” said NJDCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suarez. “Whether through the Winter Termination Program, LIHEAP, or our other assistance programs, we have resources available to ensure that residents can keep their homes warm and their utilities this winter.”
Eligibility
Residents may qualify for WTP protections if they receive programs including:
- LIHEAP
- TANF
- SSI
- PAAD
- General Assistance
- Universal Service Fund
- Lifeline Credit Program
Due to delayed November SNAP payments caused by the federal shutdown, SNAP recipients may self-certify financial hardship.
Households may also qualify if they cannot pay due to circumstances such as unemployment, illness, medical expenses or the death of an immediate family member.
How to Enroll
Eligible residents must contact their utility company directly to request protection. Self-certification forms are available for customers served by municipal utilities, local authorities or rural electric cooperatives. Utilities may request documentation showing participation in qualifying assistance programs.
Officials reminded residents that the program does not erase balances. Customers are encouraged to make payment arrangements or good-faith payments when possible to avoid large overdue bills after March 15.
Additional Assistance Programs
New Jersey also offers:
- LIHEAP for heating assistance
- USF monthly credits of $20–$200
- SHARES energy and water assistance for low- and moderate-income households
Residents can apply for LIHEAP and USF through the DCAid portal at www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid or by calling 1-800-510-3102. Water assistance and moderate-income support are available through SHARES at www.sharesnation.org or 866-657-4273.
More Information
Residents can:
- Contact their utility directly
- Call NJBPU at 1-800-624-0241
- Call 2-1-1 for general assistance information
- Visit nj.gov/bpu/assistance/programs
The LIHEAP season runs through June 30 or until funds are exhausted, while USF is available year-round.
