Atlantic City Electric Reminds Customers of Programs to Help Manage Utility Bills

Company offers energy savings tips to help customers save money

MAYS LANDING, N.J. (Jan. 18, 2018) – South Jersey experienced colder than normal temperatures recently resulting in Atlantic City Electric customers using more energy and seeing higher than normal bills. Atlantic City Electric reminds customers to take advantage of energy assistance programs funded by the company and available through the state. They include:

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Utility customers in New Jersey can submit LIHEAP applications now to secure their grant, which can provide as much as $1,000 toward their energy bill. 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.
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/.
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 $1 million annually to help struggling customers meet their energy needs. These funds are dispersed each year 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.

Colder weather and increased energy use can sometimes be a challenge. Atlantic City Electric will work with customers who may have difficulty in paying their electric bill.

The company offers payment options, like budget billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period to help customers manage their monthly electricity costs. Customers who may be struggling to make a payment should contact Atlantic City Electric as soon as possible at 1-800-642-3780.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts that January through March 2018 will still be warmer than average despite the frigid start. This creates potential opportunities for customers to save energy and balance against periods of higher use by following these simple energy-saving tips:

Adjust Your Thermostat Temperature Down: When you are at home and awake, set your thermostat as low as it is comfortable for you. When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat down 10° to 15° for eight hours and save around 10 percent a year on your heating bills. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature. If you have a heat pump, maintain a moderate setting or use a programmable thermostat specially designed for use with heat pumps.
Lower Your Water Heating Costs: Water heating accounts for about 18 percent of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F) and save.
Maintain Your Heating Systems: Most of your cold weather energy expenses are related to heating your home. Schedule service for your heating system to find out what maintenance is required to keep your system operating efficiently.
Take Advantage of the Sun’s Heat: Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and then close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
Use Your Ceiling Fan: You can reverse the motor and airflow direction of ENERGY STAR® certified ceiling fans to operate the fan year-round. In the winter, reverse the motor and operate the ceiling fan clockwise at low speed to produce a gentle updraft that forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space.
Use Energy Efficient Lighting: Install efficient LED bulbs to reduce lighting costs year-round.
Quick Home Energy Check-up: This is a fast, easy and free way to increase the energy efficiency of your home and help you start saving immediately. When you schedule a Check-up, an energy efficiency professionals will come to your home and identify simple ways to help save energy and money. Visit atlanticcityelectric.com/QHEC.aspx to schedule.