Dear Residents:
The ever-rising cost of natural gas is forcing us all to worry about our winter heating costs. The increase in demand of natural gas, along with the violent hurricane season that limited production and deliverability of natural gas pushed natural gas prices strongly upwards this winter season. Natural gas prices spiked at a 180% increase in the direct aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Rita.
All over the country, and the world, states and nations are scrambling to tackle the mounting cost of natural gas and the consequences it will bring. New Jersey will fair better than many other states, however our natural gas cost is now 15-25% higher.
While the Nation and State are working vigilantly to responds to this crisis, our communities and individual families can do so as well. There are substantial saving New Jersey families can implement on their own. Conservation and proper consumption management can produce as much as 30 percent savings on heating bills, which can help offset the increase in natural gas prices. There are five particular steps you can take that will enhance your power to save on natural gas costs.
1. Program your thermostat at 68 degrees when home and 60 degrees when out or asleep. This will result in up to 12% savings in energy cost.
2. Weatherize - - You can save up to 10% more on your energy bill by reducing air leaks with caulking and weatherstripping. Seal holes and cracks around windows, doors light fixtures, and walls. Purchase an inexpensive weatherization kit today!
3. Reduce your hot water usage - - Lower your hot water heater from 150 degrees to 120 degrees to see savings up to 16%. Wash your clothes in cold water. Take a short shower instead of a bath.
4. Keep warm air inside - - First, close off vents or registers in rooms you are not using and close the door, unless room has a major common return duct. If you have storm windows, make sure they are closed and in place.
5. Take a Free Home Energy Analysis - - This customized energy audit is designed to help you stop losing energy in your home and start saving money. Take it online at www.njcleanenergy.com or call 1-866-657-6278 for a printed version.
For more information on cost saving measures, visit the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ Clean Energy Website at http://www.njcleanenergy.com
In addition, there are several programs that the State and Federal government offer to help New Jersey residents with their gas costs, they can be found at http://www.bpu.state.nj.us/home/energyAssistance.shtml.
Winter Termination Program – This program is in effect from November 15 through March 15. The program prevents residential gas and electric customers who participate in the Lifeline, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Work First New Jersey/Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (WFNJ/TANF), Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) from having their gas or electric service disconnected during the winter months. The Program is administered by the Board of Public Utilities. For more information on the Winter Termination Program, you should call 1-800-624-0241.
Lifeline Program – Lifeline is a program that offers $225 to persons who meet the PAAD eligibility requirements or who receive SSI. This includes utility customers as well as tenants whose utility bills are included in their rent. Lifeline benefits are provided for only electricity and natural gas. Approximately 314,000 people received over $70 million in Lifeline benefits last year. For more information about Lifeline, call 1-800-792-9745.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program that provides subsidies every winter to help low-income families pay their home heating cost. The program typically runs from November 1st to March 31st, although it may be extended if necessary. LIHEAP funds can be used for the payment of home oil, natural gas, electric heating, propane and kerosene. New Jersey residents can call 1-800-510-3102 for information about the program and LIHEAP applications.
New Jersey Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral Energy Service, Inc. - NJSHARES is a non-profit corporation organized to provide assistance to individuals and families living in New Jersey who are in need of temporary help in paying their energy bills. To qualify for NJ SHARES, a person or family must be facing a financial crisis and not be eligible for welfare. Recipients must also have a history of good-faith payments of their utility bills. Eligibility is determined by New Jersey SHARES' 68 local social service agencies. Upon approval, recipients may receive a one-time grant of $250 each for gas and/or electricity. You can call NJSHARES at 1-866-657- 4273.
Universal Service Fund (USF) program- The State of New Jersey created the Universal Service Fund (USF) program to help make energy bills more affordable for low income customers. The goal of the USF program is to ensure that income eligible New Jersey utility customers pay no more than 6% of their annual income for their natural gas and electric service combined. Households with income equal to or less than 175% of the Federal Poverty Level are income eligible. The program is administered by The New Jersey Department of Human Services. For more information about USF, please go to www.energyassistance.nj.gov or call toll free at: 1-866-240-1347
I am hopeful that with a combined effort from all parts of our state we will be able face this crisis with confidence.
Sincerely, Timothy. W. Chell, Mayor
Links for Energy Assistance
(Click on picture to enlarge - see links below for web info)
Links listed on this page:
NJ Shares 1-866-657-4273 www.njshares.org
www.bpu.state.nj.us/home/energyAssistance.shtml
www.eere,energy.gov/weatherization
www.state.nj.us/health/seniorbenefits
