New Jersey Natural Gas
DEADLINE EXTENDED THROUGH MAY 31 TO APPLY FOR LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
03/27/2006 - For Immediate Release“Helping customers access energy assistance programs is an important part of our commitment to provide safe, reliable service,” said Laurence M. Downes, chairman and CEO of NJNG. “By extending the LIHEAP application deadline, more people will be able to get the help they need. Anyone facing a financial hardship needs to know that there are resources available to help with energy costs, including LIHEAP, the Universal Service Fund, New Jersey SHARES and NJNG’s own Gift of Warmth Fund. If you need assistance don’t delay, apply now.”
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to help income eligible customers with their home heating needs. It is administered locally through authorized Community Action Program (CAP) agencies. Customers should contact the CAP agency in their county to apply. A list of agency contact numbers in NJNG’s service territory are listed below.
Monmouth 732-502-8855 or 732-775-4442
Ocean 732-244-9041
Middlesex 732-828-4541
Morris 973-366-1131
Customers eligible for LIHEAP are automatically screened for inclusion in the Universal Service Fund (USF) and may also qualify for additional assistance. The USF was established by the State of New Jersey to help make energy bills more affordable for low-income customers. Other energy assistance programs available include New Jersey SHARES and NJNG’s Gift of Warmth Fund.
New Jersey SHARES is a statewide energy fund designed to help utility customers who do not qualify for state or federal assistance programs but are in need of temporary assistance due to unemployment, high medical bills or other unanticipated circumstances. Call 1-866-657-4273 for the nearest agency or visit www.njshares.org.
NJNG’s Gift of Warmth Fund helps customers with their heating bills in times of financial hardship. Each year, approximately 1,000 customers benefit from the Gift of Warmth Fund. NJNG also offers a budget payment plan, energy saving tips and a free online home energy analysis to help families manage their energy needs. For more information, visit njliving.com.
New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) is the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), a Fortune 1000 company and a member of the Forbes Platinum 400. NJNG is one of the fastest-growing local distribution companies in the United States, serving more than 462,000 customers in New Jersey’s Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex and Morris counties. This service area’s demographics and quality of life contribute greatly to NJNG’s growth. NJNG’s progress is a tribute to the dedicated employees who have shared their expertise and focus on quality through more than 50 years of serving customers and the community to make the company a leader in the competitive energy marketplace. For more information, visit NJNG’s Web site at njliving.com.
Contact:
Michael Kinney, Media
732-938-1031
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