{"id":477,"date":"2022-06-24T11:48:57","date_gmt":"2022-06-24T16:48:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.njenergyratings.com\/blog\/?p=477"},"modified":"2022-08-09T11:42:49","modified_gmt":"2022-08-09T16:42:49","slug":"cant-pay-your-high-nj-electric-bill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.njenergyratings.com\/blog\/cant-pay-your-high-nj-electric-bill\/","title":{"rendered":"Can’t Pay Your High NJ Electric Bill?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

My Electric Bill is Too High – What do I Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The combination of the pandemic and rising energy prices has made it difficult for customers to pay their NJ electric bill. But don’t panic. Check out these state programs that will help you pay your bills and keep your lights on.<\/em><\/center><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The pandemic period hit New Jersey energy customers especially hard. In March this year around a million of us<\/a> were already behind on electric payments, with little spare cash to make up the shortfall. Now, with summer power usage and rate spikes on the way, there\u2019s even less breathing room in the budget. But don\u2019t panic, NJ power customers<\/a>! You might be able to cover that NJ electric bill with the help of different assistance and payment initiatives. Let\u2019s see what\u2019s on offer to help out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Happens If I Don\u2019t Pay My Electric Bill?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Normally, missed payments after 15 days get you a discontinuance notice. Then you have ten more days to pay before – boom – they shut off your power! Over the pandemic, however, there were so many missed payments that NJ decided to introduce shut-off protections. This meant that if customers had applied for state assistance and were awaiting a decision, utilities had to grant them a 60 day grace period<\/a> of uninterrupted service. This not only gave customers some much needed breathing room and but also kept their lights on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, these protections ended on June 15th. But it\u2019s possible some of you just about squeezed in at the last moment. If you submitted a request for state aid by June 14th, you should still be eligible for this 60 day grace period. Which will be a much needed weight off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Kind of State Assistance can I Apply for?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you didn\u2019t apply by June 14th, don\u2019t worry – that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t apply for state assistance! The following state programs offer financial assistance to help reduce your electricity bills. And eligibility requirements for some of them are expanded, so you may qualify even if you didn\u2019t before. See their info pages for more details:<\/p>\n\n\n\n