Public Service Electric and Gas Company is helping furloughed federal employees and other customers who are facing financial difficulty during the winter.
PSE&G advises customers who are struggling to pay their bills to call customer service to discuss their situations. PSE&G is prepared to extend 60-day grace periods to customers seeking assistance who meet criteria, including financial hardship due to circumstances beyond their control.
“The federal government shutdown is a reminder of circumstances in which our customers can face financial hardships,” Greg Dunlap, PSE&G vice president of customer operations, said in a statement. “During the 60-day period, customer accounts will be locked and protected from shut off. Our customer service representatives also are prepared to discuss procedures for establishing payment schedules, should such arrangements be needed.”
Customer service representatives will inform customers who are under the grace period to call back if they need an extension. The PSE&G Collections Department line is 1-800-357-2262.
PSE&G said it offers customers experiencing financial hardship several programs that offer support for paying utilities, including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program run by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
Jersey Central Power & Light is also offering assistance to customers experiencing financial hardship. The Universal Service Fund Program provides low-income customers a payment plan to help lower the monthly cost for electric service. For details, customers can call 1-866-240-1347.
Lifeline provides funding for utility bills for qualifying disabled persons and senior citizens. Customers may call 1-800-792-9745 or 1-609-588-7182.
The Military Deferred Payment Program assists customers who are having financial difficulties because their family members have been called to active military duty. Customers may call 1-800-686-3421.
Atlantic City Electric is offering similar assistance. Customers may call 1-800-642-3780 or (732) 982-8710 or visit njpoweron.org for details.
