Winter brings colder temperatures, which leads to increased energy use and higher energy bills. Atlantic City Electric reminds customers to take advantage of billing assistance programs, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, a federally funded program that helps limited-income households with their home energy bills. Customers should not wait for winter heating bills to arrive before applying for help – LIHEAP is a first come, first serve program and is only available until funding runs out.   

LIHEAP provides grants in varying amounts (up to $931) with no payback required, based on a household's income, type of fuel and type of dwelling. Homeowners, renters, roomers, and subsidized housing tenants may also be eligible. Customers do not have to be behind on their bills to receive a grant.

South Jersey customers can apply for LIHEAP energy assistance through the Department of Community Affairs website, by contacting their local LIHEAP Agency, or by calling 800-510-3102. Residents also can access the Department of Community Affairs self-screening tool to help determine what energy assistance benefits they may qualify for.

With winter weather officially here, customers should prepare for potential spikes in energy bills as we warm our homes and businesses.  Atlantic City Electric understands that rising energy costs and inflation continue to impact our customers and the upcoming holiday season brings additional pressures. We are here to help and remain committed to supporting those facing difficulties through payment and energy assistance programs.”

If customers do not meet LIHEAP requirements and are having difficulty paying their energy bills, Atlantic City Electric Customer Care is also available to help by offering:

• Flexible payment arrangements that offer tailored payment plans
• Extending payment periods for balances
• Connecting customers with energy assistance funds
• Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period and helps avoid seasonal spikes and provides a consistent monthly bill. 

Customers can contact Atlantic City Electric at 800-642-3780 or visit atlanticcityelectric.com/EnergyAssistance for more information.

Other programs assisting Atlantic City Electric customers include:

• The Universal Service Fund (USF) helps ensure energy bills are more affordable for eligible customers. Eligibility requirements for USF recently changed providing customers who previously may not have been eligible to now participate. The Fresh Start arrearage forgiveness portion of the program also is now open to past participants. Call 800-510-3102 or visit energyassistance.nj.gov for information.
• New Jersey SHARES is a nonprofit corporation that provides assistance to income eligible customers. Visit njshares.org or call 866-657-4273.
• The Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) program provides relief on natural gas and electric bills for limited-to moderate-income customers experiencing a temporary financial crisis. Customers can call 732-982-8710 or visit njpoweron.org.
• 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 can call 800-792-9745 for details.

With winter on the way, Atlantic City Electric has taken steps to prepare the local energy grid to meet increased customer demand and help ensure affordable and reliable energy service all winter long. They want to help their customers use less energy and keep their bills low this winter season. They have a wide range of payment options they can offer customers based on their individual account and household income. Many of these arrangements can be made quickly and easily by calling 800-642-3780 or by visiting their website at atlanticcictyelectric.com/EnergyAssistance.

Steps that can be taken to prepare for a winter storm

• Assemble an emergency storm kit.
• Prepare a plan for what to do during a power outage or winter storm.
• Please confirm we have your current phone number in the “My Alerts and Notifications” section of our website: atlanticcityelectric.com/MyAccount.
• Visit atlanticcityelectric.com/Mobileapp to download our mobile app, which has many resources to keep you informed during a storm.
• More tips, resources and safety information are available at atlanticcityelectric.com/StormPrep.

If a severe storm hits, Atlantic City Electric monitors local weather reports regularly and follows the advice of local emergency management officials. To learn more about the restoration process, visit atlanticcityelectric.com/Restoration. Customers are asked to immediately report a downed wire or service issue by calling 1-800-833-7476, visiting atlanticcityelectric.com or through our mobile app. Atlantic City Electric customers can also text “Out” to “20661”. Customers must first text “ADD OUTAGE” to “20661” to sign up for this service.

By taking a few simple steps, together we can be ready and stay safe, warm and dry this winter.

There will be no collections on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, 2023 or New Year's Day, Monday, January 1, 2024.  Collections will be delayed by one day.

ACUA Food Drive- Place non-perishable goods next to your recycling container - December 11 - 15.