Help Is Here If You Are Having Trouble Paying Your Utility Bill in New Jersey
MAHWAH, N.J. October 18, 2021 10 a.m. --- Rockland Electric Company, and its utility company neighbors in New Jersey, are getting together this week, Oct. 18-21, to help get the word out about the wide array of organizations that are available to provide financial assistance to low- income families who are having difficulty paying their utility bills.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our customers have struggled to pay their utility bills. The state’s grace period on utility shut-offs expires on December 31, 2021. After that date, anyone with a past due balance will risk disconnection.
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joseph L. Fiordaliso said, “The good news is there are many utilities’ assistance programs available to provide residents the financial relief they need. I am happy to say several of the state’s utility assistance programs have significantly increased their income limits so that more households can access these benefits.”
NJBPU, along with its state partners and the utilities, are amplifying their existing collective outreach efforts to help spread the word about available assistance programs, namely:
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Universal Service Fund (USF)
- USF-Fresh Start (energy debt forgiveness)
- Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE)
- Deferred Payment Agreements through the utility companies
- The Utility Customer’s Bill of Rights
- 2-1-1 as a 24/7 referral source for utility assistance as well as other helpful programs
Rockland Electric Company is a regulated electric utility that serves 73,000 customers in parts of Bergen, Passaic and Sussex County in New Jersey. Rockland Electric is a wholly owned subsidiary of Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc., which in turn is owned by Consolidated Edison, Inc.