Legislation to Increase Access to Utility Assistance Programs Clears Committee

More residents would be able to apply for assistance and the application process would be easier under the legislation

(TRENTON) – More New Jersey residents would be eligible to receive assistance to pay their utility bills under legislation advanced by the Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee today. The committee also moved forward with bills that would streamline the application process for assistance programs and protect residents from utility shutoffs during the hot summer months.

The committee advanced the following bills today: 

Bill A5440, sponsored by Assemblymen Wayne DeAngelo and Kevin Egan and Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, would require State agencies that administer utility bill payment assistance programs or energy efficiency programs to review and increase the qualifying income limits for resident customers within one year of the effective date of the bill. This legislation will provide relief to the many families who are facing high energy costs and do not currently qualify for support from utility assistance programs. 

Bill A5435, sponsored by Assemblyman Chris Tully, Assemblywoman Andrea Katz and Assemblyman Balvir Singh, would make it easier for ratepayers to apply for help. Specifically, the bill would direct State agencies and non-profits to contract with the Division of Housing and Community Resources in the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) if they administer their own utility assistance program. Together, they would establish a consolidated, user-friendly website-based application for residential utility assistance programs on the DCA’s website.

Bill A5563, sponsored by Assemblywoman Pintor Marin, would direct the DCA and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to each establish the “Summer Termination Program.” The bill would prevent local utilities (local authority, municipal utility, rural electric cooperatives or public utility) from discontinuing electric, sewer, or water services to certain residents during warm weather, when certain conditions are met. Residential customers would be eligible for this program if they already receive assistance under the “Winter Termination Program” or if they are unable to pay their utility bill due to certain circumstances. 

Bill sponsors applauded the advancement of the legislation: 

“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 Bill A5440, 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."

“As utility costs continue to put a financial strain on New Jersey families, Assembly Democrats are committed to finding smart, targeted solutions that ease the burden,” said Assemblyman Egan (D-Middlesex, Somerset). “A5440 would direct state agencies to reassess and raise income eligibility thresholds for utility assistance and energy efficiency programs, ensuring that more residents can access the support they need to manage their energy expenses.”

“No one should have to fear about losing their water or electricity when temperatures soar, especially older adults, children, and struggling families,” said Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin (D-Essex, Hudson). “The Summer Termination Program is both a public health safeguard and an act of care that responds to the realities of our changing climate. Supporting uninterrupted utility access is one way we are helping working-class families stay safe, stable, and able to thrive.”

“Right now, skyrocketing utility costs are hitting New Jersey families hard, and too often, they’re met with confusing red tape and dead ends when they seek help. Through A5435, I’m proposing the creation of a simple, user-friendly online application that brings together various utility assistance programs in one place,” said Assemblyman Tully (D-Bergen). “Hard-working New Jerseyans deserve access to these resources, and they should be able to apply for them quickly and easily. The bill would also ensure that State agencies help develop and update the application, so that even temporary and emergency aid programs are accessible.”

“Too many South Jersey families are struggling to keep up with rising utility costs,” said Assemblywoman Katz (D-Atlantic, Burlington). “I am committed to cutting red tape and improving access to assistance. A5435 does just that, by establishing a single, streamlined application, making it faster and easier for residents to get the help they need.”

“Establishing a single, user-friendly application for all our residential utility assistance programs on the Department of Community Affairs’ website would make it easier for our constituents to get the care they deserve and need,” said Assemblyman Singh (D-Burlington). “It is absolutely necessary for our State agencies and nonprofit energy assistance organizations to collaborate, because we all have a common purpose—to ensure that our residents are taken care of and have everything they need to pay their utility bills.”

The bills passed today mark the latest efforts by Assembly Democrats to address energy affordability. Earlier this week, the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee advanced bills that would direct the BPU to take action supportive of ratepayers, conduct studies on increased demand and potential new supply, and to investigate how the process of electricity rates are set by the state’s grid operator, PJM Interconnection.