Energy costs can add a significant burden to family budgets during today’s challenging economic times. Whether a family or individual is on a limited income or faced withunanticipated financial hardship, there are energy-assistance and weatherization programs available. 

New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) will host its annual Energy Assistance Days in communities throughout Monmouth, Ocean and Morris Counties, the company said. Here, representatives from NJNG and Community Action Program (CAP) agencies will team with community members to determine which programs best fit their needs and assist with the application process. To qualify and apply for energy-assistance programs, participants are asked to provide proof of identification, proof of income, proof of home ownership or rental agreement and recent copies of energy bills. 

On October 1, 2012, the federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will begin accepting applications for the 2012-2013 heating season. LIHEAP and the state’s Universal Service Fund (USF) are designed to help income-eligible families and individuals meet home heating and medically necessary cooling costs. Moreover, NJNG’s Gift of Warmth fund along with the state-sponsored Temporary Relief for Utility Expenses and NJ SHARES programs provide energy assistance to households that exceed LIHEAP and USF income thresholds but currently experience temporary or unanticipated financial hardship. Households also may qualify for other energy-assistance or weatherization programs that help reduce energy costs. 

Attend one of the upcoming Energy Assistance Days and learn how to lower your energy bills and prepare yourself or a loved one for the winter season. For more information or to connect with NJNG’s Energy Assistance specialists, call 800-221-0051 or email [email protected].

Morris County

September 17, 2012 – Dover
11 a.m. –7 p.m.

Little People’s Academy

141 East Blackwell Street
Dover, NJ

October 17, 2012 – Denville

2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Denville Township Social Services

1 St. Mary’s Place

Denville, NJ 07834

Monmouth County
September 18, 2012 – Freehold

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
St. Rose of Lima

12 Throckmorton Street

Freehold, NJ

September 24, 2012 – Long Branch
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Long Branch Library

328 Broadway
Long Branch, NJ
September 25, 2012 – Asbury Park

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Municipal Building
One Municipal Plaza
Asbury Park, NJ

September 28, 2012 – Keansburg

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Bayshore Senior Day Center

100 Main Street

Keansburg, NJ

October 3, 2012 – Eatontown

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

SCAN Adult Education Center at Monmouth Mall

180 Highway 35 South

Eatontown, NJ

Ocean County
September 19, 2012 – Lakewood

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Ocean County Library – Lakewood Branch
301 Lexington Avenue

Lakewood, NJ

September 21, 2011 – Jackson

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Melvin Cottrell Center for Senior Citizens

45 Don Connor Boulevard

Jackson, NJ

September 26, 2012 – Long Beach Island

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saint Francis Community Center
4700 Long Beach Boulevard

Long Beach Island, NJ