New Jersey Public Benefit Funds for Rate Assistance

New Jersey Public Benefit Funds for Rate Assistance

  • Utility restructuring legislation established a nonlapsing Universal Service Fund. In March 2003, The Board approved a statewide permanent Universal Service Fund to assist low-income customers who heat their homes with electricity and gas through a fixed credit percentage of income payment plan under which participants will be required to pay no more than six percent of their annual income toward electric and gas bills. The permanent USF got underway late in 2003. The FY2010 program includes $192.9 million for USF benefits; $13.4 million for the USF Fresh Start program, which helps USF customers pay off their arrearages and $65.8 million for the Lifeline Assistance Program that provides a heating assistance benefit to elderly and disabled citizens.


LEVERAGING

Universal Service Fund
2010: $206.3 million
2009: $184.7 million
2007: $130.1 million
2006: $122.9 million
2005: $110.8 million
2004: $142.9 million (includes Lifeline)
2002: $11.8 million

Lifeline Assistance Program
2010: $ 65.8 million
2009: $66.6 million
2007: $68 million
2006: $70 million
2005: $71.1 million
2003: $70.8 million
2002: $71.9 million
2001: $71.6 million
2000: $70.8 million
1999: $70.3 million
1998: $70.8 million
1997: $69.9 million
1996: $72.3 million
1995: $72.7 million
1994: $72.5 million
1993: $65.7 million
1992: $64.5 million
1991: $59.9 million

LEGISLATIVE CODE

New Jersey Statutes, Title 48, 2-29.16