PEG Public Service Enterprise Group Inc

NEWARK, N.J., Nov. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- PSE&G is urging its customers to see if they are eligible for help to pay their winter heating bills. Those who recently lost their jobs, or are now working fewer hours because of the economic downturn, may now qualify for assistance programs.

The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has allocated $120 million to New Jersey to help low income households pay their winter heating bills. Individuals and families may now apply; applications will be accepted until April 30, 2011. Those who received LIHEAP benefits last year are urged to complete the recertification application to ensure they receive benefits this year as well.

During this period of major economic uncertainty, we expect that many more households will be able to participate in the program for the first time.

"LIHEAP benefits are based on last month's income, so people who did not qualify for the program previously might now be able to take advantage of these essential benefits," said Joseph A. Forline, PSE&G vice president for customer operations. "We are partnering with state government and community based organizations in an extensive effort to ensure that much needed assistance reaches every eligible person."

New Jersey's LIHEAP program ranks eighth in the nation in terms of dollars available to help at-risk utility customers. LIHEAP income eligibility levels have been lowered to 200% of the federal poverty level. That means a family of four with a monthly income at or below $3,675 may be eligible.  

The chart below provides income eligibility information.

PSE&G customers can pick up an application at one of PSE&G's 16 customer service centers. Locations and hours are listed on customer bills. In addition, representatives from state designated LIHEAP agencies are available at the following centers to help income-eligible people complete the applications.  

PSE&G households may also be eligible for other valuable assistance programs.  Applications and information about these programs are available on PSE&G's bilingual website www.pseg.com/help or www.pseg.com/ayuda. Information can also be found by calling the LIHEAP Hot Line at 1-800-510-3102 Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG), a diversified energy company (www.pseg.com).

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SOURCE Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G)