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PSE&G Video Describes Financial Assistance Programs to Help People Pay Their Energy Bills

Posted on: Monday, 26 January 2009, 14:39 CST

DVD is available at 200 public libraries

NEWARK, N.J., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In one of many recent outreach efforts to ensure that PSE&G customers know about all the resources that exist to help them pay their utility bills, the company has produced an easy-to-understand video that provides an overview of programs available.

The DVD, entitled "Help is Available for your PSE&G Bill," was produced in English and Spanish and is available at more than 200 libraries across the utility's service territory. PSE&G is also making the video available to social service, government, and faith-based organizations to use for staff training and client education.

"This helpful video outlines the many assistance programs and includes information on eligibility and application deadlines," said Eileen Leahey, PSE&G's manager of payment assistance outreach. "Guidelines are broadened this year and more money is available, so we want to make sure people know about the programs."

"Some programs have very generous income limits," Leahey said, "and can assist people who just lost a job or have a medical or other emergency that is making it difficult for them to keep up with their bills. We urge customers to become familiar with the programs and see if they can take advantage of any of them."

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), USF (Universal Service Fund) and NJ Shares are among the programs described in the video. LIHEAP, for example, which provides a grant toward heating bills, is funded at its highest level in 27 years, with grants averaging $450 available to individuals and families.

Eligibility guidelines are available online at: www.pseg.com/liheap. Information can also be found by calling the Department of Community Affairs at 1-800-510-3102, or online at http://www.state.nj.us/dca/dcr/hea/index.shtml.

NJ Shares is for those whose income is beyond the LIHEAP limits. The program helps customers who are having difficulty meeting their financial obligations because of a temporary setback. Customers may qualify for as much as $1,000 to help pay outstanding electric and gas bills. Money is available on a first come, first served basis. Information on how and where to apply for NJ SHARES is available online at www.njshares.org or by calling toll free 1-866-NJSHARES (1-866-657-4273.)

"It would be a shame if available funds are not distributed to people who in this economic climate can use all the help they can get," Leahey said. "We encourage our customers to apply for any program for which they are eligible."

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG), a diversified energy company (www.pseg.com).

SOURCE Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G)

Source: PR Newswire

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