St. Rose of Lima Hosts NJNG Energy Assistance Day

Monmouth County residents facing financial difficulties may be eligible for assistance with their energy costs.

Representatives from New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) and Community Action Program (CAP) agencies will be at in Freehold Borough on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to discuss programs available to the community. The event is part of NJNG’s annual Energy Assistance Days. The Bayshore Senior Day Center, 100 Main St. in Keansburg, will host NJNG and CAP representatives for the last Energy Assistance Day on Friday, Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To qualify and apply for energy-assistance programs, participants are asked to provide proof of identification, proof of income, proof of home ownership or a rental agreement, and recent copies of energy bills. Representatives will then help residents determine which programs may fit their needs and guide them through the application process, according to a press release issued by NJNG.

The Energy Assistance Days in Central New Jersey are held before the federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) begins accepting applications on Nov. 1. LIHEAP and the state’s Universal Service Fund (USF) are designed to help income-eligible families and individuals meet home heating and medically necessary cooling costs.

In addition, NJNG’s Gift of Warmth fund along with the state-sponsored Temporary Relief for Utility Expenses and NJ SHARES programs provide energy assistance to households that exceed LIHEAP and USF income thresholds but currently experience temporary or unanticipated financial hardship. Households also may qualify for other energy-assistance or weatherization programs that help reduce energy costs.

For more information or to speak with NJNG’s energy assistance specialists, call 800-221-0051 or email energyassist@njng.com.