More than 8,000 Atlantic City Electric customers received up to $500 in energy assistance through the Customer Relief Fund, helping families across South Jersey manage energy costs and maintain electric service during a time of increasing financial pressure.
Launched in July 2025 in partnership with SHARES, the $4.5 million Atlantic City Electric Customer Relief Fund provided direct assistance to customers facing financial hardship, including many who did not qualify for traditional energy assistance programs. SHARES is a South Jersey nonprofit that partners with utility companies to administer financial relief programs for limited- and moderate-income households. Through outreach at more than 230 community events across South Jersey, Atlantic City Electric and its partners helped connect customers with available resources and raise awareness of the fund. The program’s overwhelming response demonstrated both the need for additional support and the impact that strong community partnerships can have when helping customers navigate difficult circumstances.
“We know many families are making tough choices right now, and the Customer Relief Fund helped provide some breathing room when they needed it most,” said Cheryl Stowell, CEO of SHARES. “We are proud to have worked with Atlantic City Electric to help more than 8,000 customers receive support. While the fund has reached its limit, programs like LIHEAP and USF can still make a meaningful difference, and we encourage customers to explore the assistance available to them.”
While funding for the Customer Relief Fund has been fully committed and the program is no longer accepting applications, help remains available through a variety of federal, state and community assistance programs.
Two of the most important resources available to New Jersey households are the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Universal Service Fund (USF).
LIHEAP helps income-eligible households pay home energy bills. Homeowners, renters, roomers and residents of subsidized housing may all qualify, and customers do not need to be behind on their bills to apply.
USF provides ongoing monthly bill assistance for eligible households and can significantly reduce energy costs. Customers who apply for LIHEAP are automatically screened for USF eligibility, making it easier to access multiple forms of support through a single application.
In addition to these programs, Atlantic City Electric offers flexible payment arrangements, budget billing options, energy-efficiency resources, and tools to help customers better manage their monthly energy costs.
Customers are encouraged to seek assistance as early as possible rather than waiting until bills become difficult to manage. Many programs have income guidelines and application deadlines, making early action important.
Atlantic City Electric customers can also use SingleStop, a free, confidential online tool that helps identify eligibility for a wide range of support programs, including utility assistance, housing, food assistance, healthcare, childcare, education and tax-related benefits.
The company continues to work closely with SHARES, community organizations and government agencies to connect customers with available resources and increase awareness of assistance programs.
Customers looking for help can start with Atlantic City Electric’s Assistance Finder, which helps match customers with programs that fit their needs. Customers can also meet directly with Atlantic City Electric’s Community Engagement team at upcoming local events throughout South Jersey, where they can receive help applying for programs such as LIHEAP and USF and learn about additional bill assistance and energy-saving resources.
For more information, visit atlanticcityelectric.com.
