The Murphy Administration has highlighted the Residential Energy Assistance Payment (REAP) initiative, aimed at providing financial relief to thousands of eligible households in New Jersey. This effort is part of the Administration’s broader strategy to enhance affordability across the state. During the September billing cycle, a $175 one-time bill credit will be automatically issued to approximately 278,000 qualifying residential ratepayers on their electric or gas bills.
"Making our state more affordable for New Jersey families has been the top priority since day one. Costly utility bills can stress household budgets and directly impact the bottom line, making it difficult for residents to afford other necessities," said Governor Phil Murphy. "Through the REAP initiative, we are putting money back into the pockets of ratepayers across the state, delivering critical assistance to individuals and families by easing the financial burden of high utility bills."
Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin remarked on the significance of REAP: "The REAP initiative highlights our dedication to making New Jersey a more affordable place to live, ensuring every resident can keep their lights on and their homes warm – or cool - without sacrificing other essentials."
Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez also supported this initiative: "After a historic summer of record-breaking heat, New Jersey’s ratepayers will certainly be facing higher utility costs. Thanks to the BPU’s Residential Energy Payment initiative, ratepayers will be getting a break with a $175 bill credit to nearly 300,000 residents."
NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy emphasized the commitment to aiding those struggling with utility payments: "During another summer of record-breaking temperatures, the NJBPU remains committed to ensuring those struggling to make utility bill payments have the help they need."
City of Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba praised REAP as essential support for residents: "By providing a $175 credit, this program delivers immediate relief, helping families keep essential services running."
Cheryl B. Stowell, CEO of New Jersey SHARES expressed gratitude towards Governor Murphy's efforts: "Given the economic hardships that people in New Jersey are facing we are grateful to the administration for providing these much-needed funds."
Kelvin Boddy from Housing and Community Development Network of NJ stated: "Rising energy costs have been particularly hard for low-income families who tend to live in older homes and are disproportionately paying more for heating and cooling."
Melissa Miles from New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance commented on historical burdens faced by low-wealth communities: "New Jersey is on the right track with its efforts to both reduce pollution and alleviate high energy bills on low-income households."
Nicole Miller from MnM Consulting noted that using surplus clean energy funds as direct credits supports both immediate relief and long-term clean energy goals.
Ed Potosnak from New Jersey League of Conservation Voters commended lowering energy costs while pursuing renewable sources: “This plan will put more money in families' pockets — even as we pursue plans to lower energy costs in the long term by switching to clean, renewable energy sources.”
In April, NJBPU approved over $51 million in funding for REAP through its Fiscal Year 2024 Clean Energy Program true-up budget.
Eligible households under various assistance programs or experiencing specific hardships will receive automatic enrollment into REAP based on electric and gas utility data.
For further information regarding eligibility criteria or details about receiving this one-time bill credit, residents should contact their respective utilities.
Media Contact:
Tracy Munford
(609) 940-1099
tracy.munford@bpu.nj.gov
About NJCEP:
Established in 2003 under EDECA guidelines, NJCEP provides incentives for high-efficiency or renewable energy technologies aimed at reducing usage and environmental impacts.
About NJBPU:
NJBPU ensures safe and adequate utility services at reasonable rates across various sectors including natural gas, electricity, water among others.
