New Jersey quadruples minimum utility bill credits and raises monthly aid cap to $200

New Jersey is expanding its utility assistance program, quadrupling its minimum monthly bill credits from $5 to $20 and raising the combined monthly benefit ceiling to $200, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities reported.

Here's what to know

New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs runs the Universal Service Fund for qualifying households with low or moderate incomes. For the new program year, applications opened Oct. 1, according to WRNJ Radio.

Both natural gas and electricity bills qualify for help through the credits. Residents having difficulty paying those expenses were urged to apply by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

The maximum combined monthly credit was $180, according to the board, so households receiving the highest benefit could get an additional $20 in monthly relief.

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More background

A statewide effort to ease household energy expenses includes the benefit increases approved by the Board of Public Utilities, WRNJ Radio reported.

The program aims to keep qualifying households' energy spending at 3% of income or less, within the benefit cap, the Board of Public Utilities said.

"These expanded benefits put more money back into household budgets, and our work with utilities and community partners will help connect more eligible residents with aid," New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Ben Hertz-Shargel said. "We want every New Jerseyan who qualifies for these programs to know that help is available and that applying is easier than they may think."

What can be done?

Eligible residents can apply through the Department of Community Affairs.

Guidance for applicants is part of the expanded outreach described by Jacquelyn A. Suárez, commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs.

"We encourage eligible residents to apply for USF and [Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program] benefits and take advantage of the resources available to help make their energy bills more affordable," Suárez said, per WRNJ Radio.

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Where can I learn more?

New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania are also looking for ways to ease household utility costs.

• New York extended its 6% energy bill guideline to 2.5 million middle-income families.

• Virginia opened a monthlong application window for heating assistance up to $600.

• Pennsylvania's proposal would cap low-income wastewater charges using a method called winter averaging.

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