NJ Seniors Learn to Save on Utility Bills at Woodbridge Event
The Maple Tree Senior Center in Avenel was lively on Thursday morning as around 125 seniors gathered to enjoy a complimentary breakfast, connect with others, and most importantly, gain valuable tips on how to reduce their utility costs.
The event was organized by the New Jersey Utilities Association (NJUA), the Township of Woodbridge, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and several major utility providers in the area. Their goal was to offer guidance to seniors ahead of the conclusion of this year’s Winter Termination Program (WTP), which ends Saturday.
The WTP protects eligible New Jersey residents from having their utilities shut off between November 15 and March 15 if they’re unable to pay. As this protection wraps up, the event aimed to raise awareness about various financial assistance options that can help seniors manage their bills despite rising energy costs.
Local utility providers like PSE&G, Elizabethtown Gas, and Middlesex Water Company were present, along with organizations such as NJSHARES, the Puerto Rican Action Board, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, and Middlesex County’s social services. Each had representatives available to share details about support programs.
One attendee shared appreciation for the in-person support, saying, “It’s great the township put this together. Everything’s online now, and it can be overwhelming. Having someone explain these programs step-by-step makes a big difference.”
Guest speakers included Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac, NJBPU Commissioner Marian Abdou, and NJUA President and CEO Richard Henning. All emphasized the shared responsibility of the state and utility providers in helping residents stay connected and avoid service disruptions.
“Utilities are essential,” Henning noted. “We’re here to make sure you know that help is available, and there are experts ready to guide you through the assistance programs so shut-offs don’t occur.”
Among the highlighted resources were the Universal Service Fund (USF), which offers monthly credits on gas and electric bills for income-eligible households, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which supports heating and cooling costs and offers emergency services when needed.
The event was organized by the New Jersey Utilities Association (NJUA), the Township of Woodbridge, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and several major utility providers in the area. Their goal was to offer guidance to seniors ahead of the conclusion of this year’s Winter Termination Program (WTP), which ends Saturday.
The WTP protects eligible New Jersey residents from having their utilities shut off between November 15 and March 15 if they’re unable to pay. As this protection wraps up, the event aimed to raise awareness about various financial assistance options that can help seniors manage their bills despite rising energy costs.
Local utility providers like PSE&G, Elizabethtown Gas, and Middlesex Water Company were present, along with organizations such as NJSHARES, the Puerto Rican Action Board, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, and Middlesex County’s social services. Each had representatives available to share details about support programs.
One attendee shared appreciation for the in-person support, saying, “It’s great the township put this together. Everything’s online now, and it can be overwhelming. Having someone explain these programs step-by-step makes a big difference.”
Guest speakers included Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac, NJBPU Commissioner Marian Abdou, and NJUA President and CEO Richard Henning. All emphasized the shared responsibility of the state and utility providers in helping residents stay connected and avoid service disruptions.
“Utilities are essential,” Henning noted. “We’re here to make sure you know that help is available, and there are experts ready to guide you through the assistance programs so shut-offs don’t occur.”
Among the highlighted resources were the Universal Service Fund (USF), which offers monthly credits on gas and electric bills for income-eligible households, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which supports heating and cooling costs and offers emergency services when needed.
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