SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — The utility shutoff moratorium has expired in New Jersey, meaning customers who are behind on payments could be disconnected.
There are currently about 275,000 PSE&G customers at risk of getting shut off for late balances, and customers of other utility companies are in the same position.
PSE&G spokesperson Rebecca Mazzarella said disconnecting the electricity or gas is the last resort for them, and she wants people to know help is available.
“We understand that the pandemic has caused many people a significant impact to their jobs, to their economy, to their way of life, and many of our customers have had to make hard choices on which bills to pay,” she noted.
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Customers can call PSE&G or ask for help in person at two PSE&G offices, located in Camden and Burlington.
Several programs, like the Universal Service Fund, have recently increased income limits to more than $100,000 for a family of four.
“Those customers, if they’re approved, they get a portion to help pay their utility bills each month,” Mazzarella explained.
Another program, the Fresh Start Initiative, eliminates balances after 12 on-time payments. There’s also the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, for additional aid.
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Mazzarella warned customers to beware of scammers who call demanding payments within the next hour or else they’ll shut the utilities off. She said utility companies don’t work that way.
Additional utility assistance information can be found here.