The utilities that keep our households up and running are a necessary part of life, but the bills can certainly cost the family budget. At a time when money is tight for many families, an expensive or unexpected account can rapidly become a massive financial burden. Thankfully, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, the NJ Dept. of Community Affairs, and the City of Trenton have teamed up to offer some much-needed assistance to Mercer County residents.
On Wednesday, April 19th, a Community Utility Assistance Day will be held at Trenton City Hall (319 E State St, Trenton, NJ 08608). From 10:00 am – 3:30 pm, the NJBPU will be on-site to help you or a loved one apply for free utility assistance grant opportunities, as well as guide you through the process of accessing programs such as the Universal Service Fund, LIHEAP, NJ SHARES, LIHWAP, Lifeline Utility Assistance Program, and more. In addition to these services, representatives from the following agencies will also be on-site to assist with services:
- PSE&G
- Mercer County Administration
- Mercer County Hispanic Association (MECHA)
- Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE)
- Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
- Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
If you’re having trouble paying your bills or making ends meet, you do not need to face this alone. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has facilitated and supported several programs to ensure families can keep the lights on and a roof over their heads. For example, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, New Jersey has expanded its low-income energy programs and energy debt forgiveness program to help New Jersey families who may be struggling financially.
Per the US Energy Information Administration, as many as one-third of households in the United States struggle with utility affordability. That fact further complicates the burden that many low-income families live in older homes with less energy-efficient appliances and features that can help lower utility costs. Research indicates that many low-income households struggle with a higher-than-average energy burden, meaning that they spend more than 6% of their overall income on utility payments. Although this issue persists nationally, events and programs such as these serve as a significant source of relief for families across New Jersey.
Help is here for those who need it, so do not hesitate to take advantage of the many relief programs available to your household. If you have any questions, please call (800) 510-3102 for additional details regarding how you can get started. Utility assistance can be an emPOWERing relief for your family, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to save!
