Having trouble paying water, utility bills? Some help available for NJ residents

Yahoo

15-04-2025

Relief is on the way for some state residents struggling to pay their utility bills.
The Passaic Valley Water Commission has teamed with Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services (SHARES) to offer financial relief to households struggling with utility costs.
The mayors of the Passaic County's three largest municipalities, Paterson, Clifton and Passaic, said this is welcome news for their residents hit hard by increased energy costs, inflation and other economic pressures who may be finding it hard to make ends meet.
Coming a few weeks after the state's utilities' shutoff moratorium ended, water commission officials noted there has been an increase in "delinquent bills."
The water commission has joined with SHARE and the Municipal Customer Assistance Program to assist in-qualified households facing financial hardship.
Through the program, eligible customers may receive grants of up to $200 per utility — water, sewer and electric — for a total of up to $600 per year.
To qualify for assistance, applicants must have an active utility account, be in arrears on their bills and meet state and federal financial poverty requirements. Requirements are listed on the Sharesnation.org website.
Passaic Mayor Hector Lora said for many residents of the city, falling behind on utilities is an unfortunate reality and should not be stigmatized.
"The word delinquent carries a negative connotation suggesting negligence or unwillingness to pay," Lora said. "I would argue that many families are genuinely struggling due to the rising costs of living, including groceries, rent, utilities."
This is why payment plans and utility assistance programs are so important, the mayor said.
"We must do more to get the word out and to help families," he said. "There is a real need for better outreach and support for these families during tough times.
Clifton Mayor Ray Grabowski and Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh were also on hand to promote the new partnership with the water commission and SHARES and the customer assistance program.
MCAP provides relief while preserving the dignity and security of those hit by hard times, Grabowski said.
'No family should have to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table," Grabowski said. "Grants like these are crucial in offering stability when life throws the unexpected our way."
There are a limited amount of funds, so those interested should apply as soon as possible. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit sharesnation.org.
New Jersey residents have seen sharp increases in their utility costs throughout the last year and monthly bills are not expected to go down any time soon. Instead, many residents across the state can expect a price hike in the coming months, the state Board of Public Utilities announced in February after the state's annual electricity auction.
This summer, NJ residents can expect their monthly bills to increase between 17.23% and 20.20%, depending on the service territory. The new prices will take effect June 1.
This comes about one year after last summer's increase, which left residents across the state stunned when their electric bills soared after the NJBPU approved rate hikes ranging from about 3% to 9% in February 2024.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ utilities, water bills help coming from SHARES relief