NEW JERSEY — New Jersey residents struggling with utility bills are being encouraged to apply for expanded energy assistance benefits that could provide up to $200 per month in financial relief, according to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.
The state’s Universal Service Fund (USF) began accepting applications for the new energy assistance program year Oct. 1, offering increased monthly credits to eligible low- and moderate-income households to help cover natural gas and electric bills.
Administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, the program now provides minimum monthly credits of $20 for gas and electric service, up from $5, while the maximum combined monthly benefit has increased from $180 to $200…