Jersey Central Power & Light: Payment Assistance Programs for Your Electricity Bills

Are you struggling to pay your electricity bills? Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) offers various payment assistance programs to help you manage your electricity costs. We understand that there may be several reasons why you or someone you know may need help with home energy costs. Our aim is to provide you with a variety of programs to help you budget your monthly payments, pay winter heating bills, catch up on past-due payments, or avoid service disconnection.

In this article, we will discuss the different payment assistance programs offered by JCP&L, including the Universal Service Fund Program, New Jersey Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services (New Jersey SHARES), Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/HEAP), Lifeline, and Payment Assistance for Gas & Electric (PAGE). We will also provide you with information on how to apply for these programs and the eligibility criteria.

Universal Service Fund Program

The Universal Service Fund Program (USF) provides low-income customers with a payment plan to help lower the monthly cost of electric service. Participants pay a maximum percentage of their total household income for electric and natural gas. USF is a statewide program administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services. Fresh Start, the debt forgiveness component of USF, provides a one-time opportunity to eliminate pre-program account arrearages. There are household income and other program qualification requirements.

New Jersey Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services (New Jersey SHARES)

New Jersey SHARES is a non-profit corporation organized to provide assistance to individuals and families living in New Jersey who are in need of temporary help in paying their energy bills. This program is designed to assist customers who would otherwise have no means of assistance. A history of good faith utility payments is considered for eligibility. JCP&L is a founding member of New Jersey SHARES. Program funding is provided by JCP&L customers, company employees, and FirstEnergy shareholders. The distribution of funds is administered by community-based organizations throughout the JCP&L service territory.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/HEAP)

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps income-eligible residents with their heating and cooling bills, and makes provisions for emergency heating system services and emergency fuel assistance within the Home Energy Assistance Program. HEAP has two components: HEAP Cash Program – Annual grant to help with heating costs, and HEAP Emergency Program – Provides an emergency payment (once per heating season) for qualified low-income customers. The payment must be used to avoid a shutoff or restore electric service.

Lifeline

Lifeline provides funding for utility bills (electric and natural gas) for qualifying disabled persons and senior citizens. Application must be made annually to receive the benefit. There are certain program requirements. For example, the Lifeline benefit pertains only to the customer’s primary residence and must be in the customer’s name – or the spouse’s name.

Payment Assistance for Gas & Electric (PAGE)

PAGE is an annual assistance program designed to help zero- to moderate-income households across the state of New Jersey. PAGE benefits homeowners and renters who are New Jersey residents that have an electric and/or gas account that is past due, received a disconnection notice, or disconnected. Minimum account balance must be $100. Grant can be applied to a security deposit. Customers with zero or low income are encouraged to apply for the Universal Service Fund (USF) or Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) in addition to the PAGE grant.

Conclusion

JCP&L offers various payment assistance programs to help you manage your electricity costs. These programs are designed to assist customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills due to various reasons. Whether you are a low-income customer, a senior citizen, or a disabled person, there is