NJBPU partners with Warren, Morris, Sussex, and Hunterdon Counties for Utility Assistance Day
PHILLIPSBURG (Warren County) – The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is holding a Utility Assistance Day (UAD) event on Wednesday, March 12, in partnership with Warren, Morris, Sussex, and Hunterdon counties.
The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the St. Phillip and St. James Catholic Church, 430 S. Main St., Phillipsburg.
“At the NJBPU, keeping energy costs affordable is our priority,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “Whether you need help now or foresee needing it in the future, understanding the wide array of local, state, and federal aid available is vital. The Warren County Utility Assistance Day in Phillipsburg is a crucial part of our ongoing commitment to ensure residents connect directly with service providers that provide essential energy assistance. We appreciate our state and local partners who will be on-site to engage and provide valuable information to everyone attending.”
UADs have proven to be highly effective in helping connect residents with social services and assistance programs offered by State and utility providers. The event in Phillipsburg is the latest in a series of successful Utility Assistance Days. Approximately 9,000 residents have cumulatively attended events held in Toms River, Bridgeton, Newark, Camden, Trenton, Passaic, Elizabeth, and Union City.
Participating organizations are Family Promise, NORWESCAP, 211, Nourish, NJ Shares, Jersey Central Power & Light, Elizabethtown Gas, New Jersey Clean Energy, New Jersey Department of Human Services.
“As many New Jerseyans are seeing increases in their utility bills, this is a great opportunity for residents to understand the wide range of programs available to navigate the ongoing affordability crisis and ensure that no one is left behind during these challenging times,” said Senator Anthony M. Bucco.
“While the cost of these utility increases is shared by all users, the effect it has on the lives of everyday people is the most impactful,” said Phillipsburg Mayor Randy Piazza. “Any guidance, alternatives, or assistance would be very beneficial to the residents of Phillipsburg or anyone trying to budget responsibly.”
“With the Winter Termination Program ending on March 15, I strongly encourage residents experiencing financial difficulties to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP),” said Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “LIHEAP provides essential support to ensure households maintain access to critical utilities like heating and electricity.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Warren, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Morris County residents to learn about the utility assistance programs available and how to apply. 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. This includes individuals and families participating in the Work First New Jersey program, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, and older adults or people with disabilities participating in the Lifeline Utility Assistance Program,” 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.”
To determine eligibility for utility assistance on-site, residents attending the Warren County Utility Assistance Day event should bring the following:
- One month of income statements from within the past eight weeks (or a zero-income statement) for all adult household members;
- Copies of social security cards or residency status for all household members;
- Proof of address (i.e., copy of rental lease or housing authority letter). (If you are a homeowner, please bring your tax bill, mortgage statement, or deed.); and
- All pages of electric, natural gas, and/or heating bills
Additionally, customers in arrears who enroll in the Universal Service Fund (USF) program will be automatically screened for the Fresh Start program. Fresh Start provides eligible USF customers an opportunity to have their overdue gas and electric balances forgiven by paying only their current monthly bills on time and in full. Fresh Start is available to customers once every five years. To self-screen for USF eligibility or apply online, please visit www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid or call 2-1-1 for more information.
For those unable to attend, please call 2-1-1 to learn more about New Jersey’s utility assistance programs. Those with complaints or concerns regarding their utility company are encouraged to call the NJBPU at 800-624-0241 or file online here.
