Eligible New Jersey households can get up to $200 a month off their gas and electric bills through the state’s Universal Service Fund (USF), and the Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is urging everyone who qualifies to apply, ROI-NJ reported.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) runs the program, which serves low- and moderate-income households. In a press release dated Oct. 30, the board said applications for the new program year opened Oct. 1.
What Changed in the Benefit
Gas and electric each now carry a minimum monthly credit of $20, up from $5. The combined maximum rose from $180 to $200 a month. The board approved both increases last year.
USF is designed so that eligible households pay no more than 3% of their income on energy costs, up to the benefit cap. Enrolling also opens the door to the USF-Fresh Start energy debt forgiveness program and to protection from utility shutoffs in the winter and summer months.
How to Apply
Households can use a single application for both USF and the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) at www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid, and can receive benefits from both programs at the same time…