Other Utility Programs that May Help

Comfort Partners reduces households’ utility bills by implementing cost-effective measures to save energy and money. Households receive energy education and counseling along with home repairs and appliance replacements, which may include thermostats, refrigerators, installation upgrades, and more. For more information and to apply, call 866-378-4345 or visit their website. 

Eligibility: The household must have significant electric and/or gas energy use and have a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty line. The household must use the home as a primary residence and be the ratepayer of record with a participating electric or gas utility. Households may be eligible if they receive assistance from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TNAF), Section 8 Housing, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or General Assistance (GA).

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (NJBPU PAGE) program provides energy (gas and electric) assistance to households experiencing a temporary financial crisis. Households who have income between 0%-60% of the State Median Income (SMI) guidelines can receive up to $500 per calendar year; households who have income above 60% but at or below 100% of the SMI can receive up to $700 per calendar year. 

View NJBPU PAGE program guidelines & eligibility requirements here.

 Application: Households can apply online or complete a paper application. 

NJ SHARES Energy Assistance Grant provides energy (gas and electric) assistance to moderate and fixed-income households experiencing a temporary financial crisis. Households who have income at 60.1% - 100% of the State Median Income (SMI) guidelines can receive up to $700 per utility per calendar year.

View NJ SHARES grant guidelines & eligibility requirements here.

Application: Households can apply online or complete a paper application. 

The SMART Utility Assistance Program provides energy (gas and electric) assistance to households experiencing a temporary financial crisis. Households with  income at or below State Median Income (SMI) guidelines can receive up to $500 per utility per calendar year

View NJ SMART Utility Assistance Program guidelines & eligibility requirements here.

 Application: Households can apply online or complete a paper application. 

NJ SHARES Municipal Customer Assistance Program (MCAP) provides water, sewer and electric assistance grants to income qualified households experiencing a temporary financial crisis. Eligibility is based on household size and income. Households who have municipal utility services and income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level can receive up to $200 per utility per calendar year.

View NJ SHARES MCAP guidelines & eligibility requirements here.

Application: Households can apply online or complete a paper application. 

The Lifeline Program is a utility assistance program for older adults and people with disabilities. It includes utility customers and tenants whose utility bills are included in their rent. Households receive a $225 benefit annually. For more information, call 800-792-9745.

Eligibility: Individuals must receive Medical Assistance to the Aged, Medical Assistance Only, or New Jersey Care, Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD), or meet the PAAD eligibility requirements.

Application: Complete the NJSave application. Individuals receiving Medical Assistance to the Aged, Medical Assistance Only, or New Jersey Care are sent an application automatically every August.

The Winter Termination Program protects households from having their electric, sewer, and water service discontinued by a local authority, municipal utility, or rural electric cooperative from November 15th through March 15th. Households enrolled in certain other programs (including Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, USF, GA, HEA, and Lifeline) are protected by the Winter Termination Program. An additional “catch-all” category is also included for those who cannot pay their utility bills due to a financial crisis beyond their control. 

For more information, visit the DCAID portal, or call 2-1-1.