Residents are getting more time to pay their public utility bills without losing service, the governor announced Friday.
The state's public water, gas and electric companies have agreed to extend the voluntary moratorium on shutoffs until Oct. 15.
The decision covers residential and commercial customers.
The utilities also will offer customers a flexible and extended Deferred Payment Agreement of 12 to 24 months.
No down payments are required for this assistance.
“Utility services are critical and must continue uninterrupted during this unprecedented time,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “No one should have to make a decision on whether to put food on the table or pay for basic necessities. With today’s announcement, in partnership with our public gas, electric and water utilities, we are continuing our commitment to extend strong financial relief to residents and businesses as they navigate their way toward stability.”
Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver said she and the governor "remain committed to helping people stay in their homes with full access to basic utilities as we weather this storm."
The utilities have been communicating with customers about available assistance programs, account balances, and payment status. Beginning in September, the utilities will accelerate those outreach efforts.
“The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating economic impact on both families and businesses. The last thing anyone needs right now is to have their electricity or water shut off,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The agreement Governor Murphy announced today is an important relief measure that will shield the most vulnerable families and businesses from the impact of this unprecedented economic crisis and allow us all to devote more time and energy to overcoming COVID-19 and preparing for a strong, equitable recovery.”
Customers may start to receive shutoff notices in September, the Governor's Office warned.
If that happens, customers should contact their utility as soon as possible before Oct. 15 to make arrangements to continue their utility service, to explore enrolling in a deferred payment agreement, and to learn about what other assistance programs might be available.
Regardless, no customer will be shut off before Oct. 15, Murphy said.
“This has been an extraordinarily difficult time for New Jerseyans who have been unable to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “With the cooperation of our state’s utilities, we have been able to provide an important helping hand to those who need it. That assistance will continue with payment flexibility and an array of assistance programs to help protect those who are struggling.”
Although utility service shutoffs are still suspended, customers should make payments toward their utility bills if they can.
Those who are eligible for assistance may also find help online via the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
Find out if you are eligible:
A copy of the application is below:
Today’s announcement does not apply to cable and telecommunications companies. Those providers are covered by Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 126 that prohibits these companies from terminating Internet and voice service due to non-payment until 30 days after the current public health emergency has ended.
NJBPU reminds and encourages all utility customers and ratepayers who have questions about their service to first contact their utility.
A list of public gas and electricity utility company phone numbers is available here.
If a ratepayer is unable to resolve an issue with their utility company, residents should contact NJBPU’s Customer Assistance team by filling out this online form, or by calling 800-624-0241 and leaving a voicemail.
