DeAngelo Bill to Review Income Thresholds for Utility Bill Payment Assistance and Energy Efficiency Programs Clears the General Assembly

A5733 is part of the Democrats' efforts to assist families struggling to pay bills

(TRENTON) - Bill A5733, sponsored by Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, recently passed the General Assembly. This bill would require State agencies that administer utility bill payment assistance programs or energy efficiency programs to complete a review of the program and increase the income threshold for residential customers if appropriate.

A5733 would instruct the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Human Services, Board of Public Utilities (BPU), and any other State agencies that administer utility bill payment assistance programs or energy efficiency programs to review the qualifying income limits for resident customers within one year of the effective date of the bill. If the department, board or agency administering the aid determines the increase is appropriate, it would then increase the income threshold for eligibility. By expanding the income limits, the legislation would provide more help to low- and moderate-income customers.

“We recognize that many New Jerseyans are feeling the strain on their wallets as prices continue to rise while incomes, unfortunately, remain largely unchanged. One of the immediate concerns we face is an upcoming increase in utility prices, which has understandably raised concerns about household budgets,” said Assemblyman DeAngelo (D-Mercer, Middlesex), Chair of the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee. “With A5733, we are acknowledging that reality and working to raise the income eligibility threshold for utility assistance programs to ensure more residents can access the support they need."

Under the bill, a State agency would be required to request public comments in a form and manner determined by that agency, or seek assistance from other State agencies to determine an appropriate increase to the program’s income threshold.

The bill was also sponsored by Assemblyman Kevin Egan and Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin.