Atlantic City Electric has joined with nonprofit SHARES to launch the Atlantic City Electric Customer Relief Fund, which will provide relief for limited- and moderate-income customers during an anticipated increase in energy bills in the coming months. The fund was made possible through a one-time $4 million donation by Exelon, Atlantic City Electric’s parent company, to SHARES, which will administer the fund.
Atlantic City Electric customers will be able to apply for assistance through SHARES, which has extensive experience helping families in the South Jersey area.
“Atlantic City Electric has deep community roots, and we’re committed to standing by our customers and helping them stay connected to the essential energy service we provide,” said Tyler Anthony, president and CEO of Atlantic City Electric’s parent company, Pepco Holdings. “The Customer Relief Fund offers immediate assistance with higher energy bills as we continue to work on long-term solutions with state and local officials.”
“No one in South Jersey should have to choose between dignity and basic necessities like keeping the lights on,” said Cheryl Stowell, CEO of SHARES. “SHARES is proud to continue our work with Atlantic City Electric to launch this Customer Relief Fund, providing vital financial support to our communities who are struggling with higher energy costs.”
The fund is open to active, limited-income customers who are income qualified for federal and state energy assistance programs and have at least $250 in arrearages over the past 60-plus days. Moderate-income customers who meet certain income eligibility requirements may also be eligible for support. Approved grants will be credited to the customer’s Atlantic City Electric account. To apply or learn more, customers should visit atlanticcityelectric.com/Relief or call 800-642-3780.
The Atlantic City Electric Customer Relief Fund is a one-time program in addition to Atlantic City Electric’s enhanced support measures available during the summer months, including:
- Suspending service disconnections for nonpayment for eligible customers from July through September
- Waiving fees for disconnected customers who are seeking to restore service from July through September
- Offering longer repayment terms for residential customers, up to 24 months
Beyond these measures, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) recently approved a plan to provide customers with a $30 deferred credit on their bills during July and August. These costs will be recovered over six months without interest beginning in September, helping to mitigate increases caused by high usage during the summer months.
The Customer Relief Fund and these enhanced support measures are in addition to Atlantic City Electric’s existing efforts to make energy affordable and to help customers manage their bills. Customers can visit atlanticcityelectric.com/BillSupport for more ways to manage their bill, use energy more efficiently or access energy assistance, including:
- Atlantic City Electric’s self-service Assistance Finder, which provides simple and personalized recommendations.
- Payment arrangements, due-date extensions and other programs like Budget Billing to help smooth the impacts of seasonal rate changes.
- A suite of energy efficiency programs and saving tips to help customers save energy and money at their home or business.
- Financial assistance through federal and state programs.
