New Jersey Businesses Must Pay Energy Bills or Lose Services

The Winter season, along with unprecedented times of the pandemic, has truly brought about a financial conundrum for many in the New Jersey area.  Governor Phil Murphy signed an extension grace period moratorium (S4081) to begin on December 31, 2021, through March 15, 2022, that was already twice extended, preventing NJ utilities from shutting off municipal utilities, water, and sewer services during this time of financial hardship for many. 

Under Executive Order #246, all utilities were also required to offer additional provisions–such as an interest-free payment plan, with no down payment required, and that would last for a duration of 12 months.

As that time is rapidly approaching, New Jersey residents and business owners are faced with the harsh reality that time is running out with this grace period and they will soon need to pay what they owe on their utility bills or risk having their utilities shut off, as a normal business procedure in pre-pandemic times. 

Come March 15, 2022– Collections will begin to resume normal collections-related activities and this should prompt New Jersey customers who are behind on their bills to reach out to their local utilities and inquire about payment plans and options for assistance.  This is no surprise and customers should have been receiving updates via mail and other multimedia communications, to help prepare for the change.

There are normal processes and procedures when it comes time to shut off any customer’s natural gas or electric service.  It does not happen automatically and certain checks and balances must be required before processing a turn-off.   A utility company representative also must travel to the actual location of where the service would be turned off to speak with the owner (or whoever makes payments on their utility bills) to ensure that they are aware and what else needs to be done at that time.

Although this change is certain to affect many with the choices they will be needing to make in the near future, New Jersey key spokespersons are doing everything they can to reach out to and assist customers that need help during this difficult time.  See below for links on if you or someone you know needs assistance with the upcoming change.

• NJ BPU (New Jersey Board of Public Utilities) Utility Assistance Programs
• NJPOWERON - an Affordable Housing Alliance and a private, non-profit organization
• DCAid - The Universal Service Fund is able to help certain income-eligible customers with their bills, by issuing monthly bill credits, if eligible.

We hope this information helps you or someone you know, prepare for the upcoming change.  Reach out to us at Ananta by clicking here and filling out the form.  We specialize in energy procurement and could potentially find opportunities for you to lower your monthly utility bills, by choosing to shop for a fixed, all-in, energy plan with one of our trusted third-party energy suppliers.