NEW JERSEY — Jersey Central Power & Light is urging customers worried about rising electricity costs to seek help through payment assistance and energy-saving programs after the state’s Winter Termination Program recently ended.
The utility, part of FirstEnergy Corp., said sharp swings in winter weather can drive up home heating and cooling use, leaving some households with higher-than-expected electric bills.
“When temperatures swing to extremes like they did this winter, many customers use more energy to heat or cool their homes, which can lead to higher electric bills,” Doug Mokoid, president of FirstEnergy New Jersey, said in a statement. He said the company wants customers to know support is available if they are having trouble keeping up with payments.
Among the main programs being highlighted is the Universal Service Fund, or USF, which offers year-round help to qualified households. The company said some customers also may be able to erase overdue balances through the USF Fresh Start Program.
To qualify for USF, a household must have gross income at or below 60% of the state median income and spend more than 2% of annual income on electricity if the home does not use electric heat, or more than 4% if it does.
JCP&L said customers can get one-on-one help completing and submitting applications by visiting firstenergycorp.com/USF.
The company also said it will hold a free energy assistance event on April 22 at the Charles A. Smith Community Center, 15 E. Lacey Rd. in Forked River, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Representatives will help residents apply for USF and provide information on other aid options. Community organizations are also expected to attend.
JCP&L said additional assistance may be available through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, which helps cover home heating costs and can provide emergency aid to maintain or restore service.
Other programs include SHARES, which offers support to low- and moderate-income households; PAGE, which helps customers with overdue electric bills of at least $100; the 2-1-1 helpline for referrals to local assistance programs; Lifeline benefits for qualifying seniors and residents receiving certain assistance; and Comfort Partners, which provides in-home energy assessments and energy-saving improvements at no cost for eligible customers.
The utility said customers looking for either temporary relief or longer-term support can find more information about bill payment and assistance options at firstenergycorp.com/billassist.
