New Law Helps More Residents Stay Warm this Winter

By: State: New Jersey

The temperatures outside are starting to drop, but thanks to the work of Governor Corzine and the New Jersey State Legislature, oil consumers won't be left out in the cold.

New Jersey State Governor Jon S. Corzine recently signed a bill, Assembly Bill A3374 that will appropriate $10 million to New Jersey Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services (NJ SHARES) to provide grants to pay the utility bills of households in need.

Founded in 1998, NJ SHARES is a nonprofit organization that helps provide assistance to individuals and families living in New Jersey who are in need of temporary help in paying their energy bills.

Jim Dieterle, AARP New Jersey State Director and founding board member of the NJ SHARES Board of Directors, thanked the Governor for the allocation. Dieterle said this allocation will help NJSHARES provide financial assistance to those who are over the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) eligibility limit or have unpaid bills due to unfortunate financial emergencies.

"This bill will help NJ SHARES and its over 100 connected agencies assist our state's neediest citizens with their energy bills during these tough financial times," Dieterle said. "Energy costs continue to rise at a record-breaking pace for New Jerseyans, and it is encouraging to see our state help combat this growing problem, despite cuts in the state budget."

With this additional funding, many thousands more will qualify for as much as $1,000 to help heat their homes this winter, Dieterle said.

In addition to NJ SHARES, the New Jersey Citizen Action Oil Group is also working to keep New Jersey residents warm this winter for less. The group uses bulk purchasing power to negotiate lower prices so consumers can save hundreds of dollars a year on their home heating oil.

Along with the discount on oil, the group can help provide additional services as well, such as help in budget billing, automatic tank fill, service contracts, tank insurance and even price caps in come areas.

AARP asks you to thank New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine for signing Assembly Bill A 3374 which will help more New Jerseyans afford their winter heating costs. You can contact the Governor by phone at 609-292-6000.

Other Resources

Interested oil consumers can contact the Oil Group at 1-800-464-8465 or visit them online at www.njcaoilgroup.com. Mention AARP and the first year of membership is free.

Find more information on NJSHARES call 866-657-4273 or visit their Web site, www.njshares.org.

For more information on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) visit the Web site www.energyassistance.nj.gov or call them at 1-800-510-3102.