The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities created the Universal Service Fund (USF), which helps make energy bills more affordable for low-income customers. If you're eligible, USF can lower the amount you have to pay for your gas and electric bills.

*USF accepts applications all year.

• Click here to download an application.
• Call 1-800-510-3102
• Pick up an application at one of PSE&G's 16 walk-in Customer Service Centers.
• Visit www.energyassistance.nj.gov.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has awarded $25 million in Temporary Relief for Utility Expenses (TRUE) Program funding to the Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA). This one-time TRUE Grant assistance, administered by the AHA, is intended for low to middle income New Jersey residents who are struggling to pay their electric and natural gas bills. The maximum grant is $750 for electric and $750 for gas service, depending on your balance owed. Funds will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

Click here for program eligibility requirements and how to apply.

NJ SHARES has limited funds available at this time for PSE&G customers.

Note:  Customers must apply for TRUE Grant assistance before they can be considered for NJ SHARES.

New Jersey SHARES, Inc. is an energy-assistance program that assists households who do not qualify for federal or state energy programs and whose income does not exceed 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Each client fills out an electronic application with the assistance of a local community-based organization. New Jersey SHARES partners with more than 275 organizations statewide. Eligibility is determined by income and household size. New Jersey SHARES grant maximums are $700 for heating and $300 for electric service grants. Clients heating with electric can received up to $700 on their electric heat account. Grants are distributed year-round based on funding availability.

To donate or apply for the New Jersey SHARES program, please call toll-free 1-866-NJSHARES (1-866-657-4273) or visit www.njshares.org.

• Contact a community-based agency near you that participates in NJ SHARES.
• Visit the NJ SHARES website ( www.njshares.org) for more information.
• Call 1-866-NJSHARES (657- 4273)

NJ Lifeline is a $225 yearly credit for your electric or gas bill. You must be a New Jersey resident; 65 years of age or older or 18 years of age or older and receiving Social Security Title II Disability benefits. Your annual income (not the household income) for 2012 is less than $25,312 if single or less than $31,035 if married.

• Call 1-800-792-9745
• Click here to download an application
• Write to NJ Lifeline, P.O Box 714, Trenton, NJ 08625-0714 for an application
• Pick up an application from one of PSE&G's 16 walk-in Customer Service Centers.

LIHEAP helps low-income people pay their winter heating bills. You may qualify even if your heat is included in the rent. To be eligible, your household income does not exceed the amounts allowed in the following household income table.

Note: The LIHEAP Program is now closed.

• Click here to download an application
• Click here for a list of LIHEAP application agencies
• Call 1-800-510-3102
• Visit www.energyassistance.nj.gov 
• Pick up an application at one of PSE&G's 16 walk-in Customer Service Centers

*Please note that with one application you can apply for LIHEAP & USF. You may be eligible for both programs.