October 9, 2020

Statement of NJUA President Thomas R. Churchelow, Esq. on Utility Payment Assistance

“New Jersey’s utility leaders are committed to working with Governor Murphy and BPU President Fiordaliso to find solutions that work for New Jersey residents and businesses who rely on the essential services that investor-owned utilities provide every day throughout the state. They, along with the 38,000 men and women who operate those services, are devoted to helping New Jersey and its citizens through the crisis brought on by this unprecedented pandemic and its economic fallout. New Jersey’s investor-owned utilities are the State’s partners in its response and recovery – by voluntarily suspending shutoffs since March, working with customers experiencing difficulty through enhanced deferred payment arrangements and assistance programs, and donating millions of dollars to health care facilities, food banks and other frontline charities. They have donated PPE from their own stockpiles while still protecting their workforce and customers – all while continuing to provide safe, reliable and essential services. New Jersey’s investor-owned utilities are fully engaged with the State and utility customers and want to help those who are truly in need. Any customers experiencing hardship should contact their utility to access the extensive assistance that is already available.”