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PSE&G presents summer relief, payment‑assistance and energy‑efficiency programs to Newark council
Summary
Representatives from PSE&G described a summer relief initiative to limit shutoffs and reconnection fees through September, outlined payment assistance programs (including LIHEAP and local help) and emphasized energy‑efficiency and community outreach measures to reduce customer bills.
PSE&G representatives briefed the council on a multi‑pronged affordability initiative being rolled out this summer to help customers manage higher electric supply costs.
Gary Williams, regional public affairs manager for PSE&G, described a summer relief initiative running July 1 through Sept. 30 that extends protections commonly used in winter: a moratorium on shutoffs for qualifying low‑income customers, no reconnection fees through the period, and targeted bill credits from the state (a $100 credit for all customers and an additional $150 for qualifying households under stated programs). Williams said PSE&G was the first utility to implement a summer relief initiative and was coordinating with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and community partners.
PSE&G outlined payment assistance options that include LIHEAP, the Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric program (PAGE), deferred payment arrangements and flexible payment plans. The company described energy‑efficiency programs — home weatherization, whole‑home assessments, and rebates for Energy Star appliances — and said it conducts targeted outreach to identify households with the greatest needs. Williams encouraged community organizations and council members to help connect residents to assistance and said PSE&G offers multilingual materials and application help at community events.
Council members thanked the utility for outreach and asked PSE&G to attend neighborhood events and provide information materials. PSE&G staff offered to work with council offices and provide details and contacts for residents to access assistance.
Ending — contact and follow up
PSE&G said it would share program materials, links for online outage and service reporting, and outreach contacts with the council and continue neighborhood‑level engagement.
