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(February 7, 2008 – Newark, N.J.) - With a new year under way, this is a great time to make a plan for better managing household expenses. There are a number of programs designed to help keep energy bills in check, and PSE&G is offering a tool to learn about them. 

PSE&G has produced an easy-to-understand DVD entitled, “Help is Available for Your PSE&G Bill” that outlines programs to provide financial assistance and weatherization help to the company’s customers. Available in English and Spanish, the video presents a brief overview of programs that can help residents pay their energy bills and includes information on program eligibility and application deadlines.

As part of an aggressive statewide outreach effort, the utility has distributed copies of the new video to more than 200 libraries across the utility’s service territory. For a complete listing of libraries that have the DVD for loan, visit www.pseg.com/billpaymentassistance. In addition, PSE&G is making the video available to social service, government, and faith-based organizations to use for staff training and client education.

Getting the word out about these programs is critical, because while there’s a tremendous need for energy assistance, just 40 percent of those eligible actually apply for available programs. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides a grant toward heating bills, is one of the programs highlighted in the video. The LIHEAP application period ends March 31. Eligible individuals are urged to submit an application soon.

LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Information on eligibility requirements and where to apply is available by phone at 800-510-3102 or online at:  www.pseg.com/liheap. 

“We want to ensure that everyone eligible for assistance programs takes advantage of them,” said Ralph LaRossa, president of PSE&G. “We work with social service agencies and community leaders across the state to build awareness and increase participation in programs like LIHEAP.”

AARP is helping to promote the programs and the availability of the utility’s new video to its 1.3 million members in New Jersey. Older individuals, many of whom live on fixed incomes, are among those most vulnerable to fluctuating temperatures and utility bills.

"We’re pleased to collaborate with PSE&G to provide important energy assistance information to our members," said Jim Dieterle, AARP New Jersey State Director.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to stop into any one of PSE&G’s 16 customer service centers, located in cities all across New Jersey. Locations and hours are listed in customers’ bills.

If you need help paying your PSE&G bill, please visit:  www.pseg.com/billpaymentassistance or call the utility at 1-800-357-2262.

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).