Know your rights, winter protections, medical protections, and what to do if you receive a notice.
Losing electric, natural gas, or water service can create serious hardships. New Jersey has laws and programs that help protect eligible residents from utility shutoffs in certain situations.
If you receive a shutoff notice, do not ignore it. Contact your utility company immediately and ask about payment arrangements and available assistance programs. Acting quickly may help prevent disconnection.
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the program and your utility provider.
This program helps protect certain residential customers from having electric or natural gas service disconnected during the winter months.
Even if service cannot be disconnected during winter, you remain responsible for your bills and should work with your utility to establish a payment plan.
If a household member depends on electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment or has another qualifying condition, additional protections may be available.
Medical protections do not eliminate utility bills, but they may provide additional time to resolve payment issues.
The sooner you act, the more options you are likely to have.
Generally no. Utility companies must follow state rules including advance notice and an opportunity to resolve the account.
It may provide important protections, but does not automatically stop every shutoff. Contact your utility right after applying.
Yes. Eligible households may qualify under the Winter Termination Program.
Yes, if the utility account is in their name and they meet eligibility requirements.
Customer rights, payment options, utility regulations, and available assistance programs.
NJ Department of Community Affairs — program questions,
application requirements, and local agencies.
Emergency financial assistance, nonprofits, and community resources for utility costs.
Never ignore a shutoff notice.
