The N.J. Senate unanimously approved Dec. 22 and sent to the governor legislation that would cut through the red tape that too often overwhelms residents from enrolling in residential utility assistance programs.
The bill, S-4308/A-5435, sponsored by state Sens. John Burzichelli and Britnee Timberlake, would require state agencies and nonprofit partners to offer a consolidated, one-stop application for all residential utility assistance programs.
“With the rising cost of utilities, we are ensuring that New Jersey residents get access to a simple, user-friendly online application that brings together various utility assistance programs in one place,” said Sen. Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “New Jersey residents deserve access to resources that assist them with utility bills, and they should be able to apply for them quickly and easily.”
The measure would make it easier for ratepayers to apply for help paying their utility bills. It would direct state agencies and nonprofits to contract with the Division of Housing and Community Resources in the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs if they administer their own assistance program. Together, they would establish a consolidated, user-friendly website-based application for residential utility assistance programs on the DCA’s website.
“Too many New Jersey families are struggling to keep up with rising utility costs,” said Sen. Timberlake (D-Essex). “We want to cut red tape and improve access to assistance. This bill helps accomplish that by establishing a single, streamlined application that will make it faster and easier for residents to get the help they need.”
The bill would also ensure that state agencies help develop and update the application, so that even temporary aid programs are accessible.
There are currently several different utility assistance programs, creating a confusing and time-consuming process for applicants. This often leads to families and individuals missing out on the help they are eligible for.
The Senate has been considering a second bill, S-4709, sponsored by Sen. Angela V. McKnight (D-Hudson), that would require the Department of Community Affairs, the Board of Public Utilities and any other state agency that administers a utility bill assistance program to automatically enroll certain households in utility assistance programs, particularly low-income families who already receive some form of public assistance.
