Energy Assistance Days Help Families Amid Rising Costs!
New Jersey.- By Maria Delaplain
New Jersey residents across the state continue to see their household budgets squeezed from rising costs, including higher energy bills. What many families are unaware of are the many free programs available to help manage and pay their utility bills. New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) helps address this issue by bringing access to energy assistance programs directly to the communities it serves through the company’s annual Energy Assistance Days.
This series of events connects customers with vital programs ahead of winter — when energy usage increases to heat homes, resulting in higher energy bills. Throughout September and October, residents can attend one of 26 events in NJNG’s service territory throughout Monmouth, Ocean and Morris Counties where they can learn about available grants, determine their eligibility and get one-on-one support completing the application.
Hosted in firehouses, community centers, houses of worship and other locations, Energy Assistance Days are designed to be easily accessible by walking or public transportation. A team of bilingual NJNG and community action agency representatives will be on site to ensure customers get connected with programs to meet their specific needs.
Energy Assistance Grants Bring Real Relief
At the heart of these events are a range of energy assistance grants — including NJNG’s Gift of Warmth* along with LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)*†, USF (Universal Service Fund)*†, NJ SHARES*† and other grants — to help eligible families and individuals on limited incomes or facing unanticipated financial hardships. Plus, qualified customers can set up payment arrangements to help bring their account current.
Strengthening Communities
Since 2010, NJNG’s Energy Assistance Day events have reached nearly 12,000 customers with essential services to help keep their heat on. Along the way, NJNG has enhanced these events to include electric and water utilities, JCP&L and American Water to make it a hub where residents can access other vital services.
Attending an Energy Assistance Day Event
Customers do not need to make an appointment to attend an Energy Assistance Day event. They should bring the following documents:
- Social Security cards
- Proof of income for all household members 18 and older. Proof includes but it is not limited to: Employment/pay stubs, unemployment, Social Security, pension, self-employment federal tax income, rental income or TANF.
- Government-issued ID for applicant
- Current mortgage or rental lease
- Recent natural gas and electricity bills
Customers who are not able to attend an in-person event can apply anytime online at https://njdca-housing.dynamics365portals.us/en-US/.
Beginning on October 1, 2025, residents have increased access to energy assistance as NJNG begins processing applications in addition to community action agencies. Once the applications are complete, it may may up to 90 days to process the applications and apply funds to your utility account. During this process, customers who have applied for assistance are protected from shut off during the winter heating season.
To learn more about NJNG’s Energy Assistance Days and view a full listing of events, visit njng.com/energyassistance.
*Terms and conditions apply. † This program is independent of NJNG.
