Did you know that if you are having trouble affording your utility bills, there are many options for assistance? Please review the following list of programs and agencies that offer aid towards heating and utility bills.

Oil Heat Assistance

Citizen’s Energy/CITGO Oil Heat Program
THe Citizens Energy/CITGO program has begun! Starting Dec 14th 2011. Call today to apply for 100 Gallons of Oil Voucher. The lines for applicants will be open through February of 2012 (or while funds last)

1-877-JOE-4-OIL (563-4645)
and mention our dealer # 102559

In partnership with CITGO, Citizens Energy works with thousands of oil heat dealers and local fuel assistance agencies in 17 states to provide deliveries of home heating oil to those in need. This year the Oil Heat Program provides eligible families a one-time delivery of 100 gallons of home heating oil.

LIHEAP
This program, which is administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, helps you pay for heating costs and may cover certain medically-necessary cooling expenses. Even if your heat is included in your rent, you may qualify, if you meet the eligibility criteria. You may submit an application for LIHEAP from Nov. 1st, through April 30th.

For more information, please call 1-800-510-3102

NJSHARES
NJ SHARES is a non-profit corporation that provides assistance to individuals and families living in New Jersey who are in need of temporary help in paying their energy bills. To qualify for NJ SHARES, a person or family must be facing a financial crisis and not be eligible for welfare or other income-based energy assistance programs. Recipients must also have a history of good faith payments of their utility bills.

Please call NJSHARES at 1-866-657-4273 or visit them at www.njshares.org

Electric/Gas Utility Assistance

Lifeline Program
The Lifeline Utility Assistance Program is for eligible low-income senior citizens and the disabled. Lifeline benefits help eligible homeowners and renters with electric and natural gas costs. You may apply for Lifeline by filling out the Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) application.

Call: 1-800-792-9745 for more information or visit www.state.nj.us/health. Lifeline is run by the Department of Health and Senior Services.

Universal Service Fund-Energy
The State of New Jersey created the Universal Service Fund (USF), administered by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), was created by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to help make energy bills more affordable for qualifying households whose annual household income is at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The program was designed so that households most in need receive the highest benefit by using a percentage of income formula. Benefits appear as a credit on the household electric and/or gas bill (capped at $1,800 per year).

For more information about USF, please go to www.energyassistance.nj.gov or call toll free at: 1-866-240-1347