The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) announced on Oct. 30 that applications for energy assistance programs are open. The Universal Service Fund (USF) provides credits of up to $200 a month toward electric and gas bills, and the Winter Termination Program blocks electric and gas shutoffs from Nov. 15 through March 15.
In an Oct. 30 press release, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) said applications for 2026-27 energy assistance have been open since Oct. 1 and urged eligible households to apply. The Universal Service Fund (USF), administered by the state Department of Community Affairs (DCA), provides monthly bill credits so that electric and gas bills remain affordable for low- and moderate-income households.
The minimum monthly USF credit is now $20 each for electric and gas, four times the previous $5, and the maximum combined monthly credit for electric and gas rose from $180 to $200. The program is designed so that a household's energy bills do not exceed 3% of its income. The board ordered seven gas and electric companies to help first-time applicants apply, and more than 8,000 new enrollees joined in the last program year.
USF and the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can be applied for together with a single application, and households can receive both at the same time. Applications are submitted at www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid. LIHEAP provides lump-sum help with heating costs, including gas, electric and delivered fuel, and also assists with emergency funds when a shutoff is threatened and with heating equipment repair or replacement. LIHEAP applications are accepted through June 30, 2027, and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last.
Separately, the BPU Winter Termination Program prevents the shutoff of utility service for eligible households from Nov. 15 through March 15. Eligible customers can call their utility provider during that period and ask to be enrolled. Households enrolled in USF also receive winter and summer shutoff protection. Income limits and eligibility details are available at www.energyassistance.nj.gov, and questions can be directed by phone to 1-800-510-3102. Billing disputes can be reported to the BPU Customer Assistance office at (800) 624-0241.