Can you afford to pay more for your utilities?

  AARP doesn’t think so!

We think you are paying enough already and have told that to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, which oversees utility rate increases.  In recent weeks, AARP New Jersey has been working with AARP members, along with several interest groups to oppose a request by the Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) that could cost PSE&G’s 2.2 million customers $3.9 billion.  You can read more about AARP’s work to prevent this PSE&G bill increase at: http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2013/03/state_calls_on_pseg_to_provide.html#incart_river

Almost at the same time that PSE&G was denied its request for a rate increase, the Atlantic City Electric Company (ACE) asked the Board of Public Utilities to increase their customers’ electric bills by 7%.  AARP has been busy working with ACE customers to ask the Board of Public Utilities to deny a request to increase electric rates at a number of public hearings.

Did you fall behind on your utility bills over winter? 

If you got behind on your utility bills over the winter, you are not alone. Right now, households all over New Jersey that fell behind on their utility bills are receiving shut-off notices.  AARP New Jersey supports these programs that provide help for those who do get behind.  If you received a notice, or know someone who is struggling, help is available.

MODERATE INCOME – ONE TIME HELP

• Step 1 - TRUE – Temporary Relief for Utility Expenses

Annual Income Range:  $22,536 - $57,878 household of 1.  $30,276 – $70,267 household of 2. Apply:         online at:  http://www.ahanjtrue.com/requirements.html                                                     In-person – call 211 to find the nearest location.                                                                            Deadline?:  None

• Step 2 – if you are not eligible for TRUE check with- NJ SHARES – New Jersey’s Statewide Heating Assistance & Referral for Energy Services

  Annual Income Range:  $21,792 - $44,676 household of 1.  $29,436 - $60,516 household of 2.

Apply:   In-person at a local agency, go to:  http://www.njshares.org/wheretoapply/index.asp

By phone:  1-866-657-4273

Deadline?:  None

MODEST INCOME help:

• LIHEAP or Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Annual Income Range:   Up to $22,344 for household of 1.  Up to $30,264 for a household of 2.

Apply:   In person, you may find your local agency at: http://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/localagencies.html  or by calling 211.

Deadline?:  YES April 30^th

•  USF or Universal Service Fund

Annual Income Range:  Up to $19,548 for household of 1.  Up to 26,484 for a household of 2.

Apply:  http://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/localagencies.html  or by calling 211.

Deadline?:   None.