PSE&G Reminds Customers to Apply by May 2 for Assistance in Paying Winter Heating Bills

NEWARK, N.J., April 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- PSE&G is reminding customers still struggling to pay winter heating bills that they have only until May 2 to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Those who have already received LIHEAP this winter season may also be eligible for additional LIHEAP emergency assistance.

"We know there are many families who still are not aware of the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the additional Emergency LIHEAP assistance that may be available to them," said Joseph A. Forline, PSE&G's vice president for customer operations. "We want to make sure every bit of available assistance reaches every eligible person."  

LIHEAP

PSE&G customers who meet the guidelines for LIHEAP may be eligible to receive an average of $300 toward their utility bill. To receive assistance, they must pay their heating costs directly, pay their landlord according to their usage, or have their heating included in their rent. They must meet income guidelines for a household of their size and show proof of last month's income. Those who recently lost their jobs or are working reduced hours may now qualify for assistance.

To see if your household meets the state income guidelines and where to apply, visit www.pseg.com/help  or call 1-800-510 3102 Monday–Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm.  Applications also are available at the PSE&G's 16 walk-in Customer Service Centers listed on your bill.  Remember, applications must be submitted by May 2.

EMERGENCY LIHEAP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Current LIHEAP recipients who still are having difficulty paying their winter heating costs may be eligible for up to an additional $450 applied to their utility bill. To receive Emergency LIHEAP for electric or gas, a customer must heat with PSE&G, have an LIHEAP benefit on their PSE&G heating account, and have a shut-off notice for an overdue bill. For locations of where to apply, go to www.pseg.com/help or call 1-800-510-3102. When applying, customers should be sure to bring all pages of their most recent PSE&G bill with them. Applications must be submitted by May 2.

UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND (USF)

Customers who apply for LIHEAP automatically are also screened for the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities' Universal Service Fund (USF), a program that can make electric and gas bills more affordable by providing up to $150 per month toward their PSE&G bill. This program considers income, the amount of electric and gas used and any other benefits customers may already be receiving on their utility bill. The application for USF is the same as that used for LIHEAP and is accepted year round. To find out where to apply, visit www.pseg.com/help, call 1-800-510-3102 or visit one of PSE&G's walk-in centers listing on your utility bill.

Households not eligible for low income programs should visit www.pseg.com/help for other forms of available assistance. A new You-Tube video on PSE&G's Web site helps customers learn about these programs.  Visit www.youtube.com/psegvideo

"These and other payment assistance programs are very helpful to our customers, and we hope all eligible households will take advantage of them," Forline said. "In addition, there are other ways PSE&G can help customers manage their bills, including spreading out payments evenly to make things easier on your budget. What's important to remember is that if you find you're struggling with your bills, always give us call right away. It's always better to take care of these issues as early as possible. We will work with you as best we can."

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company (www.pseg.com).

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SOURCE Public Service Electric & Gas Company (PSE&G)