N.J. utility shut-off moratorium to end as governor creates six-month payment grace period

Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday signed an executive order ending the moratorium on utility shut-offs in the state and creating a six-month grace period for people to pay their bills.

The moratorium on shut-offs that was put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic ends July 1. During the six-month grace period that ends Dec. 31, residential customers still will not have their gas, electric, or water service disconnected. Households with residential internet service that are being used by school-aged children for educational purposes will also be protected from being disconnected.

“Many of our impacted New Jersey families are just now getting their financial feet back under them after a very tough year,” Murphy said. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to work with their utility provider and enroll in a fair and equitable payment option to ensure that vital, and in some cases life-preserving, services are maintained.”

Murphy said his administration expects every utility company to work with customers in good faith.

State officials said the six-month grace period will give people time to apply for assistance to pay their utility bills. More information about aid can be found at nj.gov/dca/dcaid.