​Funding remains available through federal and state assistance programs to help supplement customer energy payments

MAYS LANDING, N.J. (March 16, 2023) — Atlantic City Electric is asking customers to take action now to secure assistance funding that remains available to help supplement payment of their energy bills. The company understands the challenges customers are facing with higher winter energy bills and the broader impacts of inflation and is standing by to help connect customers with important energy assistance. Atlantic City Electric works with every customer in need of assistance, helping identify the support necessary to continue their energy service, from offering payment arrangements to connecting customers with helpful energy assistance resources.

"We are committed to working with our customers and understand that expenses go well beyond that of an energy bill," said Morlon Bell-Izzard, senior vice president and chief customer officer for Pepco Holdings, which includes Atlantic City Electric. "By securing energy assistance or taking advantage of our budget billing program, we can help customers stay connected as they manage other expenses such as food, transportation or medical costs." 

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:

New Jersey SHARES is a nonprofit corporation that provides utility assistance to income eligible customers. The program offers everything from government grants to free conservation programs and more. Visit NJ SHARES – Offering Hope or call 1-866-657-4273.

• 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 the NJ Department of Community Affairs website for more information.
  

• 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 or visit Department of Human Services | Lifeline (state.nj.us) for details.

Atlantic City Electric works with customers having difficulty paying their energy bill by helping enroll them into available payment options including flexible payment arrangements that offer tailored payment plans, and extending payment periods for balances, where possible. In addition, the company offers programs that can help customers manage their monthly energy bill, including Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period.

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.

Atlantic City Electric 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.