Avoiding Service Shut-Offs

The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has adopted the Winter Termination Program to protect certain residential customers from shutoff from November 15 through March 15.

Residential electric and gas customers who receive benefits from any of the several assistance programs listed below will not have their service shut off if they make a good faith effort to pay as much as they can afford during the heating season.

• Lifeline Credit
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Work First New Jersey – Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD)
• Work First New Jersey – General Assistance (GA)
• Universal Service Fund (USF)
• Customers unable to pay because of circumstances beyond their control.

For more information on these assistance programs visit: NJ Assistance Programs

All recipients of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are required to transfer all Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program benefits to their major heat supplier.

If you are a protected customer, you must contact us to prevent shut-off. Electric customers who are eligible may call Rockland Electric Company at 1-877-434-4100.

If you are eligible for shutoff protection, the BPU will require you to start a Budget Plan with us.

Customers who have the ability to make a good faith payment but refuse to do so will be notified of a service shut-off and will be referred to the BPU for a determination.

For more information on protected customer eligibility and BPU requirements please contact us at: 1-877-434-4100

You may also contact the Board of Public Utilities at 1-609-341-9188 or 1-800-624-0241.