New Jersey increases monthly utility bill credits for Low Income residents

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities expanded its utility assistance program to provide more relief to households with low or moderate incomes.

The state is quadrupling the minimum monthly bill credit from $5 to $20. It also raised the combined monthly benefit ceiling to $200 to help residents manage their energy costs. The Department of Community Affairs manages the Universal Service Fund for this initiative.

The program aims to ensure that qualifying households spend no more than 3% of their income on energy. Residents can receive these credits toward both natural gas and electricity bills. Ben Hertz-Shargel, the president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, said the expanded benefits will put more money back into household budgets. Jacquelyn A.

Suárez, a commissioner for the Department of Community Affairs, encouraged eligible residents to apply for the Universal Service Fund and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Applications for the new program year opened on October 1.