Julie Ford-Williams Bureau Chief-Customer Assistance Winter Termination Program (WTP) New Jersey Board of Public Utilities 1-800-624-0241 609-341-9188 Julie.Ford@bpu.nj.gov

WINTER TERMINATION PROGRAM   The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, also known as the “BOARD”, has a shut-off protection program available to eligible residential customers during the winter months. This program, which prevents the shut- off of electric and/or gas heating service, is known as the “WINTER TERMINATION PROGRAM”, or “WTP” for short.  

The WTP states, in N.J.A.C. 14:3-7.12A: THE RULE The WTP states, in N.J.A.C. 14:3-7.12A:   All New Jersey electric & gas utilities shall not discontinue the service of residential customers from November 15 through March 15 if they qualify for the Winter Termination Program. The Board may extend the date beyond March 15 due to weather related conditions.

In order to be eligible for the WTP, a residential customer of a regulated gas or electric utility in New Jersey must receive benefits from any of the following established categories: 1) The Lifeline Credit Program; (Lifeline)   2) The Federal Home Energy Assistance Program; (LIHEAP) 3) The Work First New Jersey-Temporary Assistance to Needy Families; (TANF) 4) The Federal Supplemental Security Income; (SSI) 5) The Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled; (PAAD) 6) The Work First New Jersey/General Assistance benefits; (GA) 7) The Universal Service Fund; (USF) or 8) Persons unable to pay their utility bills because of circumstances beyond their control.

THE WTP BUDGET PLAN   Under the WTP, all residential electric or gas customers who are eligible for the WTP shall enroll in a 12-month budget payment plan with their utility. These customers must make good faith payments toward their WTP budget during the heating season, if they have the ability to do so. The utility shall refer to the Board for resolution, all disputes regarding the appropriate level of down payments. Until the Board has rendered a determination, the utility must not discontinue service during the heating season. ***IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE, WTP eligible customers are allowed to make a down payment of UP TO 25% of their outstanding balance, as a condition for entering into a WTP budget plan.

CUSTOMERS DISCONNECTED AS OF NOVEMBER 15TH   An important aspect of the Board’s Winter Termination Program allows for any eligible WTP customer who has been disconnected as of November 15th to have his or her service restored if enrolled in a payment plan. The customer must enroll in a 12-month budget plan, and make a down payment of up to 25% of the total outstanding balance of the bill. The utility shall also consider the customer’s ability to pay when setting up the payment plan.

SECURITY DEPOSITS   During the heating season, electric and gas utilities shall NOT request a security deposit from an eligible WTP customer. During the heating season, electric and gas utilities shall NOT request an additional amount to an existing security deposit from a WTP eligible customer.

DISCONTINUANCE NOTICES During the heating season, all discontinuance notices generated by utilities to residential gas and/or electric customers must be accompanied by a Winter Termination Program Fact Sheet. The Fact Sheet, which is printed in both English and Spanish for customers, must set forth all terms and conditions of the Winter Termination Program. Fact Sheets are reviewed and approved by Board Staff yearly.

How to file a Complaint 1-800 624 0241 or 609 341 9188 Online- www.bpu.state.nj.us/bpu/assistance/complaints/ Written- New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Division of Customer Assistance 44 South Clinton Ave, 9th Floor PO Box 350 Trenton, NJ 08625-0350

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Overview New Jersey started to deregulation energy laws in 1999. The supply portion of your electric or natural gas bill is separated from the delivery portion. The supply portion open to competition. Customers can shop around for the best price on their energy supplies. Purchasing your energy supplies from a company other than your electric or gas utility is purely an economic decision. It has no impact on the reliability or safety of your service.

What Will My Current Utility Company Handle? Your local utility will still be responsible for: Servicing your account. Reading your meter. Delivering your gas and electric. Handling all emergencies.

What the Third-Party Supplier Handles The only thing that will change is that you will be purchasing your energy from a Third Party Supplier that will deliver your energy to the local utility. Depending on the supplier you select, you may receive a separate bill from that supplier.

How do I shop? Calculate how much you currently pay for electricity and natural gas by finding the Price to Compare on your monthly utility bill. Contact competitive suppliers in your service area. A list of competitive suppliers licensed in NJ can be found on our website: www.state.nj.us/bpu/asistance/utility/index/html or you can call your utility to obtain this information. Compare their offers. Ask friends in your area who they are using.

Pricing Pricing can change depending upon the supplier you select. Ask about pricing options the supplier offers.  Generally there are three options: Fixed Variable A Combination of Fixed and Variable

Fixed Pricing Fixed: A customer pays a set, agreed-upon price for energy supplies throughout the term of the contract. Fixed price contracts can help customers save money if energy costs rise in the future. Conversely, customers may end up paying more under a fixed price option if energy costs decline.

Variable Variable:  This option allows the customer’s price to rise or fall on a monthly basis as it tracks the wholesale cost of electricity or natural gas. 

Combination of Fixed and Variable Combination: This option is a combination of the fixed and variable options.  In some cases, the customer pays a fixed price for part of the contract period, and a variable price for the remainder of the time.  In other cases, a fixed price will apply to some percentage of the customer’s supplies and a variable price will apply to the rest.

Clean Energy Choice Clean energy choice supports renewable sources of energy. Solar Power, Wind Power, Hydro Power, Landfill Gas Good for the environment by reducing Greenhouse gases. Encourages industry development More costly to use

Understanding Contracts and Terms In addition to pricing information, you will also want to find out important information about the agreement for each supplier. Some suppliers offer plans with no minimum contract while others have a minimum term, which may be several years. Be sure to ask competitive suppliers whether there is a penalty if you cancel before the contract period ends.

Questions You Should Ask: What are my choices on the length of the contract? Are there any penalties if I want to get out of the contract before it expires? Does your price include New Jersey state sales tax? Are there any other taxes, charges or fees included in your price? Will I incur extra charges if my usage goes significantly above or below my usual level of usage for a given period of time?

More questions you should ask: What billing options do you offer?  Can I pay one consolidated bill for both my energy supplies and the delivery service, or must I pay separate bills to my energy supplier and my distribution utility? Do you offer other products or services (i.e. energy audits, consulting services, demand response, etc.) in addition to electricity or natural gas supplies? Can I review the complete terms and conditions of the contract before I enter into an agreement with your company? How long is your price offer valid? What happens if I change my mind?

In an Emergency If you have selected a third-party supplier and there is a power outage, an emergency or you smell gas call your utility company immediately. Your current utility company will continue to handle emergencies as usual.

Important Contact Information: If the company you are considering doing business with is not listed on the BPU’s list of licensed suppliers, contact the BPU Licensing Bureau at 973-648-2775. If you are having a problem with a supplier that you have entered into a contract with; call the BPU’s Customer Assistance Division at 1-800-624-0241.