TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed legislation (S-2356) to extend the prohibition on utility shutoffs for certain residential customers with overdue utility payments who are waiting for a decision on their application for state assistance in paying off their utility bill arrearages.

“Over the past two years, we have implemented critical protections for residential utility customers in our state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “As New Jersey continues on our road to recovery, we must provide ongoing support to residents who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation will keep the lights on and water running for families who are still making their way through the process of obtaining assistance from our state.”

“Our hope is that this new law spurs people who need utility assistance to complete an application as soon as possible to avoid a utility shutoff. We significantly expanded income eligibility for assistance programs this year to reach more people, including even moderate-income households,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. “DCA will continue its outreach efforts alongside the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and utility companies to make sure as many people as possible know about the assistance programs and are able to submit an application prior to June 15th.”

The previous utility shutoff grace period, extended by the Governor under Executive Order No. 246 and codified under P.L.2021, c.317. for residential water, sewer, and municipal electric customers, ended on March 15, 2022. Certain residential customers of public gas and electric utilities were also protected through March 15 under the Winter Termination Program. This bill extends these protections by requiring local authorities, municipal or public utilities, and rural electric cooperatives to continue providing electric, gas, sewer or water service to residential customers who have submitted an application for utility assistance prior to June 15, 2022 but have not yet received a determination.

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