MAYS LANDING, N.J. (Sept. 28, 2017) - Atlantic City Electric customers have an opportunity to take advantage of important energy assistance available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Utility customers in New Jersey can begin submitting their LIHEAP applications now to secure their grant, which can provide as much as $1,000 toward their energy bill. 

LIHEAP is a federal program, administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs that provides assistance to individuals who are having trouble paying their electric, or other energy bills. Homeowners, renters, roomers and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible. Customers can apply for LIHEAP through April 30, 2018 through a network of local agencies, or by calling 1-800-510-3102 or visiting energyassistance.nj.gov.

"We understand that our customers may face financial challenges in meeting their energy needs, so we help them secure the essential energy assistance they need to keep their lights on," said Vince Maione, Atlantic City Electric region president. "LIHEAP provides important grant money that customers do not have to pay back. Grants are provided first come, first served so it is essential that customers submit their applications now."

Atlantic City Electric provides important information to customers about energy assistance in many ways including direct mail, bill inserts, at community events, even engaging with local churches and other gathering places. This year, the company worked with the Atlantic City Contact Center to hire nearly 10 new customer service representatives who are contacting customers, who may be in need, to connect them with energy assistance opportunities.

More than 130 representatives of non-profit and government agencies also recently attended Atlantic City Electric's annual Energy Assistance Summit at the company's headquarters in Mays Landing, N.J. The event provided attendees information on energy assistance programs and resources available for New Jersey residents.   

In addition to LIHEAP, many other energy assistance programs are available for energy customers across South Jersey. They include:

• The Universal Service Fund (USF), which helps ensure energy bills are more affordable for eligible customers. Call 1-800-510-3102 or visit energyassistance.nj.gov for details.
• The Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) program provides relief for electric and natural gas bills for low to moderate-income residents that are experiencing a temporary financial crisis. For more information, call 1-732-982-8710 or visit www.njpoweron.org.
• The TRUE Program, funded by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, assists low to moderate-income residents with their electric and natural gas bills. Visit www.njpoweron.org or call 1-732-982-8710 for more information.
• New Jersey SHARES is a nonprofit corporation that provides assistance to income eligible New Jersey households with energy, telephone and water bills. Visit njshares.org or call 1-866-657-4273 for details.
• Senior citizens and disabled adults can take advantage of Lifeline, a utility assistance program that offers $225 to persons who meet certain income guidelines. This benefit includes utility customers as well as tenants whose utility bills are included in their rent. For more information about Lifeline, call 1-800-792-9745.

Customers also can receive financial assistance through Helping Hands, a program, funded by Atlantic City Electric, providing $4 million to help struggling customers meet their energy needs during the next four years. These funds are annually dispersed to low-income residents through the Affordable Housing Alliance, New Jersey SHARES, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Camden and the People for People Foundation.

Atlantic City Electric will work with customers who may have difficulty in paying their electric bill and offers budget billing and payment plans. For more information, call Atlantic City Electric's Customer Care Center at 1-800-642-3780. 

For additional information about energy assistance programs, visit Atlantic City Electric's page here, visit nj211.org or call 211, New Jersey's non-emergency helpline, available 24/7 throughout the state.

Readers are encouraged to visit The Source, Atlantic City Electric's online news room.

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