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Utility Aid Program Now Open in New Jersey: Get Up to $200 Monthly Credit on Electric & Gas Bills – How to Apply

TRENTON, N.J. – October 30, 2026 – The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has announced that the state’s Universal Service Fund (USF) utility aid application period is now open from October 1, 2026. Eligible households can get monthly bill credits of up to $200, while the program has quadrupled its minimum benefit.

The program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) and is part of Governor Mikie Sherrill’s affordability agenda.

What is USF? – Key Details

USF helps low-to-moderate income households keep their monthly electric and natural gas bills affordable. The logic is simple: Households should not pay more than 3% of household income on energy costs, up to the cap. The state pays the rest as credit.

Contact for Media: Alonza Robertson – 609-913-6237

New Benefits in 2026 – Increased Aid

NJBPU approved these increases last year and they continue this year:

Benefit	Old Amount	New Amount 2026
Minimum Monthly Credit (Gas)	$5	$20
Minimum Monthly Credit (Electric)	$5	$20
Maximum Monthly Credit (Gas + Electric Combined)	$180	$200

“Affordability is at the center of everything we’re doing at the Board, and that means making sure New Jersey families can access the aid they need to manage their utility bills,” said NJBPU President Ben Hertz-Shargel. “These expanded benefits put more money back into household budgets.”

“Every New Jersey family deserves access to safe, reliable, and affordable energy… USF can provide meaningful relief on utility costs for families managing tight household budgets,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez.

How to Apply? – One Application for Two Programs

From October 1, 2026, you can apply for both USF and LIHEAP with one application.

Apply Online: www.nj.gov/dca/dcaid

Check Eligibility & Income Limits: www.energyassistance.nj.gov

Call for Help: 1-800-510-3102 – For eligibility, available aid, local in-person help, application status.

LIHEAP Details:

• Full Form: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Federal)
• Period: Oct 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027
• Type: Lump sum benefit (not monthly)
• Covers: Home heating (gas, electric, deliverable fuels, energy costs included in rent), medically necessary cooling expenses, emergency aid when in danger of disconnection, heating repair and replacement
• Process: First-come, first-served while funding remains available – Apply early

USF Details:

• Type: Recurring monthly credits
• Purpose: Helps afford natural gas and electric service every month

8000+ New Families Enrolled – Expanded Outreach

NJBPU ordered seven gas and electric utility companies to help first-time enrollees with applications and meet enrollment growth targets over a 3-year period.

Results Last Year:

• Utilities exceeded first-year statewide enrollment target
• Over 8,000 first-time USF participants enrolled statewide

What Utilities Are Doing Now:

1. Annual Outreach Plans & Performance Reports – Mandatory submission to NJBPU
2. Direct Application Aid: Hosting regular enrollment days at payment centers, senior centers, and local houses of worship
3. Mobile Aid Units: Targeting communities or households needing one-on-one support
4. Comfort Partners Program Promotion: Free home energy assessments and energy efficiency improvements for qualifying residents – Reduces energy burden and reliance on aid

Extra Benefits of Enrolling in USF

Enrolling in USF automatically gives you access to:

1. LIHEAP – Federal heating assistance
2. USF-Fresh Start – Energy debt forgiveness program
3. Shut-off Protection: Protection from utility shut-off during winter and summer months
4. Winter Termination Program: Protection against disconnection for qualifying households from November 15 through March 15. Customers can call their utility company during protection period and request to be enrolled. More info: www.nj.gov/bpu/assistance/programs/

“Energy aid is an essential part of our work to make New Jersey more affordable. We’re committed to making these programs more effective, more accessible and better coordinated so that the benefits reach the households that need them most,” added Hertz-Shargel.

What To Do If You Can’t Pay Your Bill?

NJBPU says: Seek help before facing service disruption. Apply now at nj.gov/dca/dcaid or call your utility company.

About NJBPU: State agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates. Regulates natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television.

Address: New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, 44 S. Clinton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08625 – (800) 624-0241