Utilities and Energy Payment Assistance
Governor Murphy announced that “all New Jersey water companies have voluntarily agreed to suspend shut-offs during this COVID19 emergency.” We recommend that you reach out to your service provider directly to confirm this is their policy.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) also announced that the state’s public electric and gas utilities have universally agreed to suspend service shutoffs statewide in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Energy Payment Assistance Programs
If you’re having trouble affording your utility bills, there are many options for help. Below is an overview of the customer assistance programs that are available in New Jersey. To download a summary of these programs, click here.
NJ Energy Assistance Brochure and USF/LIHEAP Application
NJ Energy Assistance Brochure (English)
NJ Energy Assistance Brochure (Spanish)
Universal Service Fund/ Home Energy Assistance Application
CONNECTIVITY: INTERNET & PHONE
Households with qualifying students grades K-12 or college students can access free internet by contacting the following companies:
Spectrum: 1-844-488-8398
Altice: 1-888-633-0030
Optimum: 1-866-200-9522
Save Money on Oil Heat by joining the NJCAEF Oil Group
For homeowners, renters, and small business owners that use oil heat to heat their homes, as a result of the volatility in the oil market, oil prices have dropped to major lows.
New Jersey Citizen Action Oil Group (NJCAOG) is comprised of thousands of New Jersey heating oil consumers who have joined together to say “NO” to high priced heating oil. Members realize that by joining the Oil Group they are able to save money per gallon and not sacrifice the quality and dependability of a full-service oil company.
The Oil Group uses collective bargaining power to negotiate discounted prices on heating oil and act as an information resource and advocate for New Jersey heating oil consumers.
Individual households, businesses, churches and apartment owners can rely on low rates without having to shop around every time they need their tanks filled. The Oil Group serves every New Jersey county with the exceptions of Cape May, some parts of Atlantic, Salem, and Cumberland counties.
How Does the Oil Group Work? As an agent for thousands of members, the Oil Group uses its bulk purchasing power to negotiate the best possible price with local dealers. After joining, members are assigned a supplier, and then they simply call the supplier and make arrangement for fuel delivery but at the Oil Group’s special price. Members are guaranteed a fixed mark-up above wholesale prices for their heating oil purchases. The prices members receive are less than average retail prices. Some Oil Group suppliers provide service contracts and tank insurance at a discounted rate too. Email Wende Nachman, Director of NJCAEF Oil Group, at wende@njcitizenaction.org for more information.