Atlantic City Electric Reminds Customers "We're Here To Help" As Millions of Dollars Remains Available to Support Customers Who May Be Struggling More than 41,500 customers received over $33 million in assistance in 2021 alone. Atlantic City Electric is reminding customers of the millions of dollars that remains available to assist those who may be challenged with paying their energy bills. In addition to the extended payment arrangements and assistance Atlantic City Electric provides customers, the company supports customers in identifying federal, local and other funding that may be available to help customers meet their energy needs. Atlantic City Electric works hard to keep every customer connected by offering payment arrangements and helping customers secure grants and other support from many available energy assistance programs. In 2021 alone, Atlantic City Electric helped 41,578 customers secure $33.1 million in energy assistance, funding that helps pay customer energy bills and money that customers do not need to pay back. "Our customers need to know that we are here to help them through difficult times," said Morlon Bell-Izzard, senior vice president and chief customer officer for Pepco Holdings, which includes Atlantic City Electric. "We will help every customer understand their energy usage and their bill, and we will connect them with the support they may need to help make ends meet. 

Atlantic City Electric Customer Care will work with customers having difficulty paying their energy bill by helping enroll customers into available payment options, including:

• Flexible payment arrangements that offer tailored payment plans
• Extending payment periods for balances
  
• Connecting customers with energy assistance funds

Millions of dollars in energy assistance remains available for customers. Atlantic City Electric works closely with its community partners to connect customers with grants and programs like LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP provides grants in varying amounts based on a household's income size, type of fuel, and type of dwelling, with no pay back required. South Jersey customers can apply for LIHEAP energy assistance through the Department of Community Affairs website, by contacting their local LIHEAP Agency, or by calling 800-510-3102. Residents also can access the Department of Community Affairs self-screening tool to help determine what energy assistance benefits they may qualify for. 

Other programs assisting Atlantic City Electric customers include:

• The Universal Service Fund (USF) helps ensure energy bills are more affordable for eligible customers. Eligibility requirements for USF recently changed providing customers who previously may not have been eligible to now participate. The Fresh Start arrearage forgiveness portion of the program also is now open to past participants. Call 1-800-510-3102 or visit energyassistance.nj.gov for information.
• New Jersey SHARES is a nonprofit corporation that provides assistance to income eligible customers. Visit njshares.org or call 1-866-657-4273.
• The Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) program provides relief on natural gas and electric bills for limited-to moderate-income customers experiencing a temporary financial crisis. Customers can call 732-982-8710 or visit njpoweron.org.
• Lifeline is a utility assistance program that offers $225 to persons who meet certain income guidelines. Utility customers as well as tenants whose utility bills are included in their rent can call 1-800-792-9745 for details.
• Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) provides New Jersey households with temporary rental and utility assistance to limited and moderate-income households that have had a substantial reduction in income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit https://njaa.com/covid19rentalassistanceprograms/ or call 609-490-4550. Customers can contact Atlantic City Electric at 800-642-3780 to discuss payment arrangements or visit atlanticcityelectric.com/EnergyAssistance to learn more about energy assistance options. In addition to payment arrangements and energy assistance support, Atlantic City Electric  has many programs that can help customers manage their monthly energy bill, including Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period. The company also offers energy efficiency programs and energy saving information to help customers reduce their energy usage. Information regarding these programs can be found at atlanticcityelectric.com/WaysToSave. To learn more about Atlantic City Electric, visit The Source, Atlantic City Electric's online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting atlanticcityelectric.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/AtlanticCityElectric, and on Twitter at twitter.com/AcEleCconnect. Atlantic City Electric's mobile app is available at atlanticcityelectric.com/MobileApp.