Danish power company Ørsted and New Jersey SHARES, a nonprofit providing essential services to New Jersey residents in need of temporary assistance, announced on Wednesday they have partnered to develop and launch a new emergency assistance program for customers in Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean counties.
Ørsted said it has funded the program with a two-year, $200,000 grant through Ørsted CARES, providing financial assistance for electric customers in financial crisis.
The program will offer grants of up to $200 to eligible limited income households twice a year to use toward their electric service payments.
“We are pleased to assist NJ Shares with financial support that will help the organization alleviate some of the financial burden facing residents of Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean Counties who have encountered difficulty paying their energy service bills,” Thomas Brostrøm, CEO of Ørsted U.S. Offshore Wind and president of Ørsted North America, said. “This partnership enables us to help fulfill NJ Shares’ mission that is focused on helping New Jersey residents in need.”
“NJ SHARES is a leading advocate for the energy insecure in New Jersey and it is our mission to provide help and guidance to those in need throughout the state,” Cheryl B. Stowell, CEO of NJ SHARES, said. “The Ørsted CARES Grants Program was specifically designed for those facing energy-related hardships in Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean counties – providing direct, immediate assistance to households facing an emergency or unexpected financial crisis. We are excited for our partnership with Ørsted and look forward to utilizing our combined professional expertise to assist individuals and families in need living in the communities we serve.”
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Reside in Atlantic, Cape May or Ocean County;
- Have arrears on their electric bill;
- Have an active residential electric account;
- Have an income level that does not exceed 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
