JCPL Offers Heating Assistance to Low Income Customers

By Barbara Perone

If you’re a Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) customer and you fit certain monthly income requirements, you may be eligible to apply for two of the energy company’s heating/electric assistance programs.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)/Universal Service Fund (USF) are two federally funded programs, administered by the Department of Community Affairs, that provide subsidies to help low-income individuals & families, pay home heating bills, or heating costs already included in their rent.

Certain JCP&L customers may also be eligible for grants to help them maintain electric service when they have overdue bills they cannot afford. To qualify, your monthly gross household income must be less than a specific dollar amount for the number of people living in your home.

For example, a one-person household must earn less than a monthly gross income of $1,915 to be eligible for LIHEAP, and less than a gross monthly income of $1,676 to be eligible for the USF program. Those living in a two-person household would have to earn a gross monthly income of under $2,585 to be eligible for LIHEAP and a gross monthly income under $2,262 to be eligible for the USF program, etc.

Be aware that LIHEAP funds are limited. To find out more about these two programs, or to apply for funding, call the Department of Community Affairs, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The main toll free number is 1.800.510.3102; the customer service center toll free number is 1.800.662.3115.