NJ SHARES to Administer New Jersey American Water's Payment Programs

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- New Jersey American Water has chosen New Jersey Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services (NJ SHARES) to administer its two payment assistance programs for low-income customers.

NJ SHARES will accept and process payment assistance applications on behalf of New Jersey American Water and determine each applicant's eligibility and administer grants according to the program guidelines. Eligibility guidelines are established by New Jersey American Water and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. Over the last two years, New Jersey American Water has assisted more than 1,500 customers with more than $300,000 in grants.

"New Jersey American Water and NJ SHARES are concerned with assisting our customers in need especially now, as many are feeling the effects of these difficult economic times," said John Bigelow, president of New Jersey American Water. "NJ SHARES will be an efficient and effective administrator of our programs for those with low incomes and will be responsive to our customers' needs."

For more than eight years, New Jersey American Water has offered its low-income customers the following payment program options.

H2O Help to Others

H2O Help to Others helps to pay a portion of the bills of those who demonstrate a true need within a defined income level. A grant from the H2O Help to Others Program may not cover a recipient's entire water bill. In some cases, recipients must cover a portion of their bill, based on their ability to pay. In order to qualify for this program, customers must have annual incomes at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty guidelines.

Low Income Payment Program (LIPP)

LIPP takes the H2O Help to Others program one step further by providing aid to New Jersey American Water's most economically challenged customers through rate reductions amounting to approximately 15 percent of a customer's monthly bill. In order to qualify for this program, customers must have annual incomes at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty guidelines.

NJ SHARES is a non-profit organization charged with a mission to provide assistance to individuals and families living in New Jersey who are in need of temporary help in paying their utility bills. Customers may call 877-652-9426 (877-NJAWH2O) for more information.

New Jersey American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.5 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com.

SOURCE New Jersey American Water

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