NEW JERSEY: Winter Utility Shutoff Protections Begin Sunday for Eligible Households
The state's Winter Termination Program runs from November 15 through March 15. Eligible customers must notify their utility that they qualify.
New Jersey's winter utility shutoff protections begin Sunday, November 15, offering eligible households protection from disconnection during the coldest months of the year.
The Winter Termination Program runs each year from November 15 through March 15. It protects qualifying residential customers from having water, wastewater, gas or electricity shut off during that period.
Eligibility includes households receiving certain public assistance benefits and people who cannot pay because of circumstances beyond their control, such as unemployment, illness or medically related expenses. Customers should check the state's criteria rather than assume that every household is automatically covered.
Eligible customers must notify their utility that they qualify for the program. The state Board of Public Utilities tells residents to call their utility to request protection and contact the board at 800-624-0241 if the company cannot answer their questions.
The program does not erase utility debt. Customers remain responsible for their bills and should contact their utility about payment arrangements and available assistance.
Residents can review the state's Winter Termination Program information and utility-customer Bill of Rights for eligibility details before the protection period begins.