PSE&G Offers Customers Resources and Options to Get Caught up on Bills

Rhea-AI Summary

PSE&G is enhancing support for customers affected by the pandemic, expanding eligibility for utility assistance programs. A family of four can now make up to $105,000 per year to qualify for help. This is more than double the prior limit. The utility is also promoting payment flexibility through Deferred Payment Arrangements (DPAs), allowing customers to manage past-due balances. PSE&G collaborates with community advocates to increase awareness about available resources and assistance programs, ensuring customers can stay connected during challenging times.

Positive

• Expanded income eligibility for utility assistance programs, including USF and LIHEAP, allowing families earning up to $105,000 to qualify.
• More than double the pre-pandemic limit for assistance eligibility.
• Introduction of flexible payment options and deferred payment arrangements for customers to manage bills more effectively.

Negative

• None.

NEWARK, N.J., Oct. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing the financial difficulties the pandemic has caused, PSE&G continues its effort to educate and support its customers through the pandemic recovery (pseg.com/HelpNow). PSE&G wants customers to know:

• Income eligibility requirements have been expanded for utility assistance programs including the Universal Service Fund (USF) and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
• A family of four making up to $105,000 a year can now receive help to cover most, if not all, of what they owe.
• The expansion of income eligibility is more than double of the pre-pandemic limit.
• Eligibility has been expanded for USF's Fresh Start Program, which provides forgiveness of past due balances as long as customers pay their monthly energy bills in full for a year.
• PSE&G is educating customers in our communities while offering more flexible payment options and new deferred payment arrangements (DPAs).

"The pandemic has inflicted financial hardship on many of our customers, some for the very first time, and most are unaware that they may qualify for help," said PSE&G Chief Customer Officer and vice president of Customer Care, Deborah Affonsa. "We want to spread the word and raise awareness about the programs. Most importantly, we want our customers to know we are here to help and we care."

Building Awareness in Communities
Working with social service agencies, PSE&G has brought community advocates into several of its customer service centers to personally help customers access resources to help pay their utility bill.

Community outreach efforts also include a grass roots approach. PSE&G participated in several pandemic related relief events and deployed dozens of outreach associates into communities, going door to door handing out information.

New Jersey residents can find out if they're eligible with this anonymous online screening tool: nj.gov/dca/dcaid.

Flexible Payment Options
PSE&G is offering more flexible payment options and new deferred payment arrangements (DPAs). A DPA allows customers to continue to pay their regular monthly bill, plus an amount toward your past-due balance. A customer can make a DPA with as little as $0 down and up to 12 months to pay, if they qualify.

"We never want to shut off any customer's utility service because of inability to pay," said Affonsa. "We want to work with customers to keep them connected and get them back on track, together."

Visit pseg.com/helpnow

• PSE&G Deferred Payment Arrangement or 800-357-2262
• NJ 2-1-1 Utility Assistance or 2-1-1; 800-510-3102

Utility Payment Assistance Programs:

• Universal Service Fund (USF) or 800-510-3102 or energyassistance.nj.gov
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or 800-510-3102 or energyassistance.nj.gov
• Payment Assistance Gas and Electric (PAGE) or 732-389-2204 or 732-982-8710 or njpoweron.org
• NJ SHARES (NJS) or 866-NJSHARES (657-4273) or njshares.org
• New Jersey Lifeline or 800-792-9745 or aging.nj.gov

Contact: Rebecca Mazzarella
Rebecca.Mazzarella@pseg.com 
Media Relations: 973-430-7734
Customer Service: 800-436-7734

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pseg-offers-customers-resources-and-options-to-get-caught-up-on-bills-301407466.html

SOURCE PSE&G

FAQ

What assistance programs are available for PSEG customers?

PSEG offers utility assistance programs such as the Universal Service Fund (USF) and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

What is the new income eligibility for PSEG's assistance programs?

Families of four can now qualify for assistance if they earn up to $105,000 annually.

How does PSEG help customers manage past-due balances?

PSEG offers Deferred Payment Arrangements (DPAs) that allow customers to pay regular bills plus a portion of their past-due balance.

How can New Jersey residents check their eligibility for PSEG assistance?

Residents can use an anonymous online screening tool available on the New Jersey government website.