Lateesha Mars remembers when a woman with two young children in tow approached her window at the PSE&G Customer Service Center in Newark. The woman recently became seriously ill and couldn’t work. She couldn’t pay her bills. She didn’t know what to do – and she was afraid. Lateesha could see relief on her face as she learned about the payment assistance programs for which she might qualify.
Every day, Lateesha, one of many representatives working for community-based development organizations like La Casa De Don Pedro, works with people who’ve fallen on hard times. Lateesha says sometimes it can be a tough job, but when she goes home at night, she feels good knowing she’s helped people find the help they need.
At PSE&G, we want to spread the word that there are a number of programs available to provide assistance paying heating bills. Unfortunately, many people who qualify don’t apply.
Some customers assume they don’t meet the criteria. Others may think that the application process is difficult – actually it’s not. There are resources dedicated to helping eligible customers apply.
Some payment assistance programs provide short-term financial relief for customers in financial crises, and several others offer long-term aid. These programs are mostly government-funded or funded by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. However, the NJ SHARES program gives you the opportunity to help a neighbor in need. Through NJ SHARES, New Jersey customers can make a donation, and PSE&G will match it, dollar for dollar. That money will go to help a fellow PSE&G customer in our service area.
If you, or someone you know needs help paying utility bills, call 1-800-510-3102 to find out if you qualify for assistance and how to apply. Representatives are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week.
More information and applications for programs are available at pseg.com/help. PSE&G customers are welcome to go to any of PSE&G’s 16 walk-in customer service centers listed on their bill to pick up applications. Our PSE&G representatives can tell people where and how to apply for help; and on some days at some locations, representatives from La Casa and other organizations are at our customer service centers to help in-person with the application process.
Even with residential heating supply rates at historic lows, we know that some customers still struggle to pay their bills. If you know someone who needs help, please let them know that assistance is available to keep their families warm when the temperature drops. It’s a good message to share.
Greg Dunlap, Vice President – Customer Operations – PSE&G
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