Energy Assistance
NJ 211 - First Call for Help
If you or someone you know is having trouble paying bills or are having financial or personal hardship call 211, NJ's First Call for Help or visit their website.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
LIHEAP helps with heating costs and may cover certain medically necessary cooling expenses. Eligibility is based on household size and income. Even if your heat is included in your rent, you may qualify. You must apply each year at your local county LIHEAP office. Note that if you qualified for LIHEAP last year, you must reapply by submitting the state recertification form you have or will receive in the mail, along with all required documents, to your local agency. Application period begins October 1st. Call 800.510.3102 or visit their website.
Intake Agency List>>
LIHEAP emergency assistance is now available through May 31, 2013. You may qualify for this additional funding if you meet all of the following qualifications:
• You were approved for the LIHEAP 2012-2013 heating season
• Received a current shut off notice from your utility
• Have an active heat account in your name
LIHEAP Emergency applications are being taken at your local intake agency. Should you still have an outstanding balance after any LIHEAP Emergency assistance is received, you may call our Customer Care Department at 1-800-242-5830 to discuss a payment arrangement if needed.
Universal Service Fund (USF)
USF provides monthly credits on your utility bill if it has been determined that your energy bills exceed six percent of your household monthly income. You could qualify for up to $1,800 each year. Applications can be filed any time of the year. Call 866.240.1347or visit their website.
Intake Agency List>>
USF FreshStart
First-time USF customers are automatically enrolled if their past due amount is greater than $60.00. You are required by Elizabethtown Gas to only pay your current bill on time every month for 12 months, and your past due balance will be erased. No need to apply; we will send you a letter if you are eligible.
Comfort Partners
Provides free home analysis, energy education and weatherization measures. Eligibiity is based on income. Click on the Comfort Partners tab to the left for additional information.
Lifeline Credit Program
Lifeline provides an annual grant – $112.50 each for natural gas and electric bills – for seniors 65+ who meet income guidelines and adults 18+ who receive Social Security Disability. A monthly utility benefit will be included in your check. You must fill out an application each year. Call 800.792.9745 or visit their website.
TRUE Grant
The TRUE Grant Program (Temporary Relief for Utility Expenses) is an assistance program that is designed to help low to moderate income households that are experiencing economic hardship and are struggling to pay their electric and natural gas bills. It provides a maximum grant of $750.00 towards the gas bill and a maximum grant of $750.00 towards the electric bill.
The TRUE energy assistance program benefits homeowners and renters who are NJ residents, have not received USF/HEA in the past 12 months, are facing a crisis situation that includes a documented notice of overdue payment for gas and/or electric service, and have a past history of making regular payments towards their utility bills.
For more information about the requirements and to obtain an application, call 855.465.8783 or visit www.ahanjtrue.org
NJ SHARES
Provides a one-time grant for persons in a temporary financial crisis who exceed the income guidelines for other energy assistance programs. Call 866.657.4273 or visit www.njshares.org to visit their website.
Visit www.njshares.org for a list of intake agencies, eligibility requirements and application.
CredAbility
If you or someone you know is having trouble paying bills, reach out to CredAbility, a national, nonprofit credit counseling agency, by calling 800.251.2227 or visiting www.credability.org. (Usted puede visitar la versión del español Idioma del sitio haciendo clic aquí.)
Donate to NJ SHARES Any Time of Year
Donate to NJ SHARES at any time during the year. NJ SHARES funds are provided by voluntary donations by customers like you, with a portion matched by Elizabethtown Gas. To donate, just add $1, $2, $5, $10, $15 or $20 to your monthly bill payment.
Our system will automatically recognize your overpayment in the amounts noted above as a donation to NJ SHARES.
Note: If you would like to pay ahead on your bill, add an amount other than $1, $2, $5, $10, $15 or $20, to your monthly bill payment so that your account is noted correctly.