Americans Can Claim Up to $200 in Energy Credits This November

Residents in Arkansas and New Jersey can access energy credit programs this November, potentially gaining up to $200 in financial relief. These initiatives aim to assist eligible households with their utility bills, providing much-needed support as the year comes to a close.

Arkansas Utility Assistance Program

In Arkansas, the state’s Utility Assistance Program offers financial help to eligible residents, allowing them to lower their utility bills. This program is described as a “fund of last resort,” designed to supplement existing federal and state resources.

To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria. Households must reside in single-family homes or apartments, and the name on the utility account must match that of the resident. Furthermore, the total gross income must not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Each household can receive a maximum grant of $200 per utility for the program year.

Applying for this assistance is straightforward. Residents need only to call their utility company to obtain information about the program and other potential assistance options.

New Jersey’s Residential Universal Bill Credit

In New Jersey, the Residential Universal Bill Credit provides a different form of relief. All 3.9 million customers of the state’s four public utility companies will automatically receive a $100 credit on their energy bills, distributed as $50 for each of the months of September and October. This initiative is part of a broader $430 million program aimed at offering direct bill relief to New Jersey residents, with extra provisions for low-income households.

For households with incomes below a certain threshold, an additional $175 will be credited over several months, beginning in August 2025 and continuing through February 2026. This includes a $25 credit in each month of that period. Importantly, eligible residents will not need to apply for these credits; they will be automatically applied to their utility bills.

Additional programs may also be available, catering to specific qualifications. For more detailed information, residents are encouraged to visit the official website of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

As the winter months approach, these energy credit programs represent a vital financial lifeline for many households in Arkansas and New Jersey. By taking advantage of these opportunities, eligible residents can alleviate some of the burdens associated with rising energy costs.