Essex County Utility Resources
July 2026 Update: LIHEAP applications are currently closed and are expected to reopen October 1, 2026. USF applications remain open through August 15, 2026.
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Need Help Paying Your Utility Bills?
Find programs that may help Essex County residents with electric, gas, heating, water, and past-due utility bills. Eligibility and funding availability vary by program.
Facing a shutoff? Act quickly.
Contact your utility provider first to request a payment arrangement. You can also call the NJ Home Energy Assistance Hotline at 1-800-510-3102 or dial 2-1-1 for guidance.
Main Programs
Universal Service Fund (USF)
Universal Service Fund (USF)
Provides recurring gas or electric bill credits for eligible households. Applications are currently available through August 15, 2026
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Helps with heating, cooling, and certain energy emergencies. The current application period has closed and is expected to reopen October 1, 2026.
USF Fresh Start
USF Fresh Start
Certain USF participants may qualify to have past-due balances forgiven after making required monthly payments.
NJ SHARES
NJ SHARES
Provides grants for qualifying households experiencing a temporary financial crisis. Assistance may cover energy, water, sewer, telephone, or internet bills.
La Casa de Don Pedro
317 Roseville Avenue, Newark, NJ 07107
Phone: 973-485-0701 Email: energyasst@lacasadedonpedro.org
Walk-ins: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Utility Provider Contact List
PSE&G — Electric & Gas
Customer service/outages: 1-800-436-7734
Gas emergency: 1-800-880-7734
Newark Water & Sewer
Customer service: 973-733-6370
Emergency: 973-733-3874
East Orange Water Commission
Customer service: 973-266-8869
Passaic Valley Water Commission
Customer service/emergencies: 973-340-4300
Montclair Water Bureau
Water billing: 973-509-4924
Nutley Water & Sewer
Customer service: 973-284-4984
New Jersey American Water
Customer service/emergencies: 1-800-272-1325
Water providers vary by municipality. Check your bill to confirm your provider.
Important Document Checklist:
Before applying, gather:
Photo ID
Utility Bill
Proof of Income
Proof of Address
Social Security Cards (if requested)
Benefit Award Letters
Not sure which program fits your situation? LCCI can help you identify available programs and understand the next steps. Assistance is not guaranteed and remains subject to each program’s eligibility requirements and available funding.
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