Those Behind on Their Winter Heating Bills Advised to Act Now

Protection period ends today, LIHEAP application extend through April 30 


NEWARK, N.J., March 15  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PSE&G is advising those who have fallen behind on their winter heating bills to act now to avoid having their electric/gas service shut off. There are a number of resources available to help consumers manage and pay their energy bills, but they must take the steps necessary to get the support they need.

For some, pursuing payment assistance will be critical. March 15th marks the end of the Winter Termination Program, which protected some residential electric and gas customers from having their service disconnected for nonpayment during the cold winter months. Now that the deadline has passed, New Jersey utilities can interrupt service for non-payment.

PSE&G customers who cannot afford to pay the full amount they owe can visit one of the utility's 16 customer service centers or call 1-800-357-2262 to arrange a payment plan. It is important to note though that if the agreement is not kept and utility service is disconnected, the customer can be required to pay the full delinquent amount plus a reconnection charge - before service is restored.

"We know that there were some protected customers who didn't follow our advice to make payments toward their winter bills. Those are the people who worry me the most, because they still owe for the service they used, and now they are in an even tougher spot," said Vic Viscomi, who leads the utility's collections activities. "I strongly encourage those who have fallen behind to make a good faith effort to pay. That is the first step, and it's an important one."

The application deadline for LIHEAP, a federally funded program that helps income eligible customers offset the cost of their winter heating bills, has been extended to April 30th. PSE&G is urging all eligible customers to apply for assistance.

"Enrolling in LIHEAP can make a real difference for families struggling to make ends meet," said Eileen Leahey, PSE&G's manager of payment assistance. "This additional time will allow more people to take advantage of the help that's available."

Completed LIHEAP applications may also qualify and automatically enroll residents in NJ's Universal Service Fund (USF), a year-long state-administered payment assistance program that considers both income and energy consumption in determining eligibility. Applications are available in all of PSE&G's 16 customer service centers. Locations and hours are listed in customer's bills.

For those who have already benefited from LIHEAP this heating season, but who are still struggling to pay their bills, additional help may be available. To find out where to apply for what is known as Emergency LIHEAP, call 1-800- 510-3102.

Applicants must meet income eligibility requirements according to the guidelines listed in attached chart.

             LIHEAP & USF Maximum Monthly Gross Income Levels
                   for the Period of 10/1/06 to 9/30/07

                    Maximum Gross                       Maximum Gross
  Household Size    Monthly Income    Household Size    Monthly Income

        1              $1,430               7              $4,405
        2              $1,925               8              $4,900
        3              $2,421               9              $5,396
        4              $2,917               10             $5,892
        5              $3,413               11             $6,388
        6              $3,909               12             $6,703

   Note: To determine eligibility for household sizes greater than 12,
                   add $135 for each additional member.



Detailed information in both English and Spanish on how and where to apply for LIHEAP and USF, can be found by calling 1-800-510-3102 or visiting http://www.pseg.com/liheap.

For more information in both English and Spanish on resources available to help manage PSE&G bills, visit the PSE&G's Payment Assistance Outreach website at http://www.pseg.com/billpaymentassistance.

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 National Achievement Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG), a diversified energy company (http://www.pseg.com/). 

DATASOURCE: PSE&G



CONTACT: Jenn Kramer of PSE&G, [phone] 



Web site:  http://www.pseg.com/

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