Content starts here
CLOSE ×
Search
AARP AARP States Local Resources

How NJSHARES is working to ease utility assistance woes in New Jersey

 

Cold house stock photo

©iStockPhoto\piranka

Whether you are a PSE&G, JCP&L, or Atlantic City Electric customer, rest assured in knowing that AARP has worked, or in some cases, is still working, to ensure that utility customers across the state don’t pay a dime more than necessary when it comes to their utility bills.

However, despite our efforts, we know that utility bills are still high in this state, and that the winter cold, which we are still in the midst of, can make them even higher. And we know that there are many who just cannot afford to pay those high bills. If you are in that situation, AARP wants you to know about a resource that may be available to help you right now.

NJ SHARES has programs that can offer to many households who are currently struggling and are without utility service.

"Since its inception, NJ SHARES has been the safety net energy assistance program that can assist a household with no other recourse at the time of an emergency to restore their utility service. Together we help our neighbors avoid the tragedies associated with not having utility service,” said Jim Jacob, NJ SHARES President and CEO.

It’s important to note that individuals and families without utility service at the time of their application will need to meet the income and application requirements for NJ SHARES.  For more information about NJ SHARES, or to learn if you qualify for one of its relief programs, visit www.njshares.org or call 1-866-NJSHARES.

NJ SHARES logo

Photo from: NJSHARES.ORG

 

Hear directly from NJ SHARES Director of Development and Communications, Barbara Gomes:

 

NJ SHARES responds to the need for expedite relief to households without utility service.

 

Clients without utility service at the time of their application will need to meet the income and application requirements for NJ SHARES, however they will not need to obtain a denial letter from state-funded programs.

The policy is in effect through the 2015 operating year and was decided after an analysis of a pilot program that spanned November 1, 2014 through December 12, 2014.

"This policy will enable our agency partners to expedite applications to qualifying clients whose service is terminated at the time of application, said Jim Jacob, NJ SHARES President and CEO." Since its inception, NJ SHARES has been the safety-net energy assistance program that can assist a household with no other recourse at the time of an emergency to restore their utility service. Together we help our neighbors avoid the tragedies associated with not having utility service.  For more information about NJ SHARES, visit www.njshares.org or call 1-866-NJSHARES.

 

About AARP States
AARP is active in all 50 states and Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Connect with AARP in your state.