26 Feb Are there programs to help me pay my electric bill?

Q. I could only pay part of my electric bills for the last two months because of the extreme cold weather this winter. Is there any program or grant that can help pay the rest of the electric bills I owe?
— In trouble

A. It sure has been a cold winter, and rising electric rates are hurting homeowners across the state.

There are several programs that could help. But they will depend on the specifics of your situation. You can read about them all on the Board of Utilities’ website on the Utility Assistance Programs page.

The utilities also offer some grants.

New Jersey Natural Gas has the “Gift of Warmth” fund, which offers a one-time grant of up to $500 to help customers experiencing unanticipated financial hardship. If you have an overdue balance that you can’t pay, you can apply online or call (800) 221-0051.

Atlantic City Electric Company provides grants to its residential customers who are carrying a balance of at least $250 or more. The grants can be as high as $500. Learn more at: www.atlanticcityelectric.com/Relief. This program is administered by the non-profit organization SHARES, which connects low- and moderate- income households with the resources. You can call SHARES for more information at (866) 657-4273 or apply online here. 

Talking to your utility is always a good first step. Under the “Utility Customer Bill of Rights,” you have the right to at least one “deferred payment plan” per year with your utility company if you have an outstanding bill you cannot pay. This is a plan that considers your financial situation and allows you to make payments on the outstanding bill as long as you stay current with payments on any new charges.”

Email your questions to .

This story was originally published in February 2026. 

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.