PSEG: Many NJ Customers 'Seriously Behind' On Bills Amid COVID

Newark NJ

19 May, 2021

10:36 AM

Description

NEWARK, NJ — The number of PSE&G customers who are "seriously behind" on their utility bills has doubled since the coronavirus pandemic began, the company says. As part of "Utility Assistance Week," PSE&G has begun reaching out to its customers in the Garden State ahead of June 30 – the date when the state's moratorium on utility shutoffs is expected to end. The moratorium ensures that no household in the state can have its electricity, gas service, or water turned off for nonpayment. Utility providers aren't allowed to charge late fees, or fees to restart services that have been disconnected. The moratorium also applies to cable and telecommunications providers, which are prohibited from disconnecting internet service in households that have one or more school-age children who may be using it for educational purposes. Read More: NJ Utility Shut Off Moratorium Extended Through June PSE&G, which has a headquarters in Newark and serves three-quarters of the state's population, says that residents in its coverage area haven't been spared the financial ravages of the pandemic. "COVID-19 has inflicted financial hardship on many of our customers and left them struggling to pay bills," said Fred Daum, executive director of customer operations at PSE&G. "We have seen the number of customers seriously behind on their bills double since the pandemic began," Daum said. However, there's a silver lining to an otherwise cloudy sky, according to PSE&G – many people may qualify for financial assistance that can help pick up the slack. "We want to keep all customers connected to their utility service if we can," Daum said. "You may even see our community outreach teams in neighborhoods, going door-to-door to make customers aware of the resources available to help with utility bills." To help customers get caught up to speed, PSE&G has created an online resource, which can be seen here. According to PSE&G: "Qualified customers can make a Deferred Payment Arrangement (DPA) with no money down and extended time to pay off their balance. A customer can select a DPA to pay their balance over a 12-, 18- or 24-month period. To make a Deferred Payment Arrangement, log in to My Account or call 800-357-2262." The company adds: "Gov. Phil Murphy suspended utility shut-offs of residential customers unable to pay their bills. That moratorium is expected to end on June 30. That is also the deadline to sign up for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program one of the primary payment assistance programs." PSE&G shared several other resources about financial assistance programs available in the state. General Information NJ 2-1-1 Utility Assistance or 2-1-1; 800-510-3102 Low Income Assistance Programs Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or 800-510-3102Universal Service Fund (USF) or 800-510-3102 Moderate Income Assistance Programs Payment Assistance Gas and Electric (PAGE) or 855-465-8783NJ SHARES (NJS) or 866-NJSHARES (657-4273) Senior/Disabled Adult Assistance Programs New Jersey Lifeline or 800-792-9745 It's Utility Assistance Week in NJ and we want YOU to know that help is available if you're struggling to pay your utility bills. Get #UtilityHelpNow with: LIHEAP USF PAGE Fresh Start Lifeline Learn more in our joint press release with @NJDCA https://t.co/gnLxcQg3Ko pic.twitter.com/ZIQROZ01tQ— NJ Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) (@NJBPU) May 18, 2021 This article contains reporting by Russ Crespolini, Patch staff Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected]. Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don't forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.