Customers urged not to wait for winter heating bills to arrive before applying for energy assistance.

MAYS LANDING, N.J. (October 20, 2022) — Atlantic City Electric is encouraging residential customers to apply for energy assistance and take advantage of tens of millions of dollars that are now available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which began accepting applications for the current program year on October 1, 2022. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps limited-income households with their home energy bills. But customers should not wait for winter heating bills to arrive before applying for help – LIHEAP is a first come, first served program and is only available until money runs out.   

"As temperatures start to drop, we know energy bills will increase as we start to warm our homes and businesses," said Morlon Bell-Izzard, senior vice president and chief customer officer for Pepco Holdings, which includes Atlantic City Electric. "We understand that rising energy costs and inflation are impacting our customers and want them to know we are committed to doing all we can to manage energy prices and to helping connect them to energy assistance and the information they need to help manage their energy bills. We urge customers to take advantage of programs like LIHEAP now, before winter bills hit, and to contact us if they need help."

LIHEAP provides grants in varying amounts (up to $1,200) with no payback required, based on a household's income, type of fuel and type of dwelling. Homeowners, renters, roomers and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible. Customers do not have to be behind on their bills to receive a grant. Last year, Atlantic City Electric worked closely with community partners to help 41,578 customers secure $33.1 million in support that was applied directly to their energy bills. 

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.

If customers are having difficulty paying their energy bill, Atlantic City Electric Customer Care to help with:

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

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.