New Jersey Shields Residents From Winter Utility Shutoffs Through March

New Jersey’s 2025-2026 Winter Termination Program halts electric, gas, and sewer shutoffs for qualifying residents from Nov. 15 through March 15. This initiative safeguards households receiving state and federal assistance or grappling with financial hardships, yet customers still owe accumulated bills.

Recipients of several assistance programs qualify. These include the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Federal Supplemental Security Income, Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled, General Assistance benefits, Universal Service Fund, and Lifeline Credit Program.

“This program reflects our commitment to ensuring that no New Jerseyan has to choose between paying their utility bills and meeting other essential needs during the winter months,” said board President Christine Guhl-Sadovy in a Nov. 17 release from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, per the Courier Post online. “We encourage all eligible residents to contact their utility providers today to secure this vital protection.”

The state permits self-certification for residents facing circumstances outside their control. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients may self-certify because of delayed November assistance payouts.

Others can self-certify if they’ve lost their job, gotten sick, paid medical expenses, lost an immediate family member, or hit other financial troubles. Those who qualify should contact their provider about their qualification status, either by phone or through a self-certification document on the state Department of Community Affairs website.

Additional assistance programs work alongside the termination protection. SHARES helps low- and moderate-income customers with overdue residential bills. LIHEAP gives grants to help with heating for households at or below 60% of the state’s median income.

USF gives households at or below 60% of the state’s median income with monthly bill credits ranging from $20 to $200. Residents can find information on these programs by calling 2-1-1. They can also visit the NJBPU assistance program website. Or call the NJBPU at 1-800-624-0241.

The Board of Public Utilities partnered with the Department of Community Affairs to implement the program. Protection applies to customers getting residential services from rural electric cooperatives, local authorities or municipal utilities.

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