At the Passaic County Utility Assistance Day held at the Boys and Girls Club of Passaic County, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) President Christine Guhl-Sadovy unveiled details of the enhanced Universal Service Fund (USF) program that quadruples minimum monthly credits from $5 to $20 and raises maximum combined benefits to $200 per month — providing immediate relief to 136,000 households across the state.
“As electricity costs are on the rise and federal uncertainty puts programs like LIHEAP at risk, the Universal Service Fund is even more critical than ever,” said President Guhl-Sadovy. “The expanded USF program will provide even greater benefits and ensure the utilities do their part to connect residents to this important program.”
The announcement comes as New Jersey actively addresses rising electricity costs stemming from growing demand — particularly from data centers — combined with supply shortages and delayed integration of clean energy projects in the PJM regional grid. This action builds on the historic $430 million in direct bill relief unveiled this summer to help customers manage cost increases.
“I commend the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and its partners for hosting this wonderful event to assist Passaic County families struggling with high energy costs,” said Senator John McKeon. “Events like this are a crucial way to connect with residents in need directly. By bringing together representatives from various programs to help navigate the application process, the NJBPU has successfully created a one-stop shop to get people the relief they urgently need.”
Officially expanded in June 2025, the strengthened USF represents a fundamental reimagining of how New Jersey delivers on energy affordability. The enhanced program now provides:
- Quadrupled minimum monthly credits from $5 to $20 for eligible households — addressing years of inadequate support
- Increased maximum combined benefit to $200 per month — up from previous caps that left high-need families underserved
- Mandatory utility outreach to actively enroll thousands of qualifying residents who remain unserved, reversing previous passive enrollment approaches
- Immediate support for 136,000 households currently enrolled, with increased relief for thousands near the previous benefit cap
- Streamlined application process that reduces bureaucratic barriers that historically deterred applicants
Those with complaints or concerns regarding their utility company can call the NJBPU at 800-624-0241 or file online at http://www.nj.gov/bpu.
