Winter brings colder temperatures, which leads to increased energy use and higher energy bills.
Atlantic City Electric is urging customers to take advantage of billing assistance programs, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, a federally funded program that helps limited-income households with their home energy bills, according to a news release.
Customers should not wait for winter heating bills to arrive before applying for help. LIHEAP is a first come, first serve program and is only available until funding runs out.
LIHEAP provides grants in varying amounts (up to $931) with no payback required, based on a household’s income, type of fuel and type of dwelling.
Homeowners, renters, roomers, and subsidized housing tenants may also be eligible. Customers do not have to be behind on their bills to receive a grant.
South Jersey customers can apply for LIHEAP energy assistance through the Department of Community Affairs website, by contacting their local LIHEAP Agency, or by calling 800-510-3102.
Residents also can access the state Department of Community Affairs self-screening tool to help determine what energy assistance benefits they may qualify for.
“With winter weather officially here, customers should prepare for potential spikes in energy bills as we warm our homes and businesses,” said Morlon Bell-Izzard, senior vice president of Customer Operations and chief customer officer for Pepco Holdings, which includes Atlantic City Electric.
If customers do not meet LIHEAP requirements and are having difficulty paying their energy bills, Atlantic City Electric Customer Care is also available to help by offering:
- Flexible payment arrangements that offer tailored payment plans
- Extending payment periods for balances
- Connecting customers with energy assistance funds
- Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period and helps avoid seasonal spikes and provides a consistent monthly bill.
Customers can contact Atlantic City Electric at 800-642-3780 or visit atlanticcityelectric.com/EnergyAssistance for more information.
Other programs assisting Atlantic City Electric customers include:
- The Universal Service Fund (USF) helps ensure energy bills are more affordable for eligible customers. Eligibility requirements for USF recently changed providing customers who previously may not have been eligible to now participate. The Fresh Start arrearage forgiveness portion of the program also is now open to past participants. Call 800-510-3102 or visit energyassistance.nj.gov for information.
- New Jersey SHARES is a nonprofit corporation that provides assistance to income eligible customers. Visit njshares.org or call 866-657-4273.
- The Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) program provides relief on natural gas and electric bills for limited-to moderate-income customers experiencing a temporary financial crisis. Customers can call 732-982-8710 or visit njpoweron.org.
- Lifeline is a utility assistance program that offers $225 to persons who meet certain income guidelines. Utility customers as well as tenants whose utility bills are included in their rent can call 800-792-9745 for details.
To learn more about Atlantic City Electric, visit The Source.
