The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is set to host the Ocean County Utility Assistance Day on February 19 in collaboration with Toms River and Ocean County. The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Ocean County Library in Toms River, NJ.
Utility Assistance Days have been effective in connecting residents with social services and assistance programs provided by state and utility providers. Ocean County joins a list of locations where approximately 9,000 residents have participated in similar events.
"Keeping energy costs down is a priority at the BPU," stated NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. "This event in Toms River is part of our ongoing commitment to connecting residents face-to-face with agencies that can help provide energy bill assistance."
Several organizations will participate, including Ocean, Inc., Catholic Charities, New Jersey Natural Gas, Jersey Central Power and Light, NJ Family Care, NJ Shares, Care Connect, and various New Jersey departments.
Senator Carmen Amato Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre emphasized the importance of utility assistance for constituents facing rising utility costs. They expressed appreciation for the BPU scheduling this event.
Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez from the Department of Community Affairs highlighted that utility assistance aligns with principles prioritizing stable housing as essential for well-being.
Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman noted that many individuals eligible for assistance might not be aware of it. She encouraged attendance at the event to learn about available aid.
Attendees should bring income statements from within the past eight weeks or a zero-income statement for all adult household members, social security cards or residency status documents for all household members, proof of address, and electric or gas bills.
Customers enrolled in arrears with the Universal Service Fund (USF) program will be screened automatically for Fresh Start eligibility. This program allows USF customers to have overdue balances forgiven by paying current bills on time.
For those unable to attend, information about New Jersey's utility assistance programs can be obtained by calling 2-1-1. Complaints or concerns regarding utility companies can be directed to NJBPU at 800-624-0241 or filed online.
NJBPU ensures safe and adequate utility services at reasonable rates across New Jersey. It oversees natural gas, electricity, water services among others while responding to consumer complaints and investigating accidents.
