Atlantic City Electric Reaches Out to Communities of Color About Customer Relief Fund
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
MAYS LANDING — Atlantic City Electric is reaching out to local communities of color to make sure they take advantage of available energy assistance programs, including the Customer Relief Fund that offers up to $300 in direct assistance for eligible customers to help manage higher energy supply costs.
In July, Atlantic City Electric launched its Customer Relief Fund to support limited- and moderate-income customers who are income qualified for federal and state energy assistance programs.
“Atlantic City Electric remains deeply committed to helping our customers manage rising energy supply costs,” Jessica Grullon, the company’s communications manager and longtime community advocate, told Front Runner New Jersey.
“For more than 100 years, we’ve been part of South Jersey’s community fabric, and we understand these challenges because our employees are the neighbors, friends and families that make up these communities. Many households across South Jersey, including our Black and Latino neighbors, face even greater burdens. The Customer Relief Fund is one way we are providing immediate support and ensuring access to essential energy service for those who need it most.”
This one-time program made possible by a $4 million donation from Atlantic City Electric’s parent company, Exelon, to nonprofit partner SHARES, provides relief for customers who are facing higher bills as a result of rising energy supply costs. Approved grants will be credited to the customer’s Atlantic City Electric account.
There is still more than $2 million available through the fund, and thousands of customers have already received assistance to date. To apply or learn more, customers should visit atlanticcityelectric.com/Relief or call 1-800-642-3780.
Beyond the Customer Relief Fund, there are additional programs to support customers who are challenged by rising energy costs, including:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program, which provides grants in varying amounts of up to $1,200, with no payback required, based on a household’s income, type of fuel, and type of dwelling.
A customer’s annual household income cannot exceed 60 percent of the state median income guidelines. Homeowners, renters, roomers, and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible. Customers do not have to be behind on their bills to receive a grant.
The Universal Service Fund (USF) helps ensure energy bills are more affordable for eligible customers. Eligibility requirements for USF have recently changed. The Fresh Start arrearage forgiveness portion of the program is also open to past participants. Call 1-800-510-3102 or visit energyassistance.nj.gov for information.
Lifeline is a utility assistance program that offers $225 to persons who meet certain income guidelines. Utility customers as well as tenants whose utility bills are included in their rent are eligible.
More information about these programs is available through the Department of Community Affairs website. Residents also can access the Department of Community Affairs self-screening tool to help determine what energy assistance benefits they may qualify for.
Customers can also see what programs best fit their needs through the Assistance Finder tool at atlanticcityelectric.com/AssistanceFinder. For additional support, customers can contact the Atlantic City Electric Customer Care team through the online portal or by calling 1-800-642-3780.
To learn more about Atlantic City Electric, visit?The Source, Atlantic City Electric’s online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting?atlanticcityelectric.com, on Facebook at?facebook.com/AtlanticCityElectric,?and on X, formerly known as Twitter, at?twitter.com/AcEleCconnect.?Atlantic City Electric’s mobile app is available at?atlanticcityelectric.com/MobileApp.
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