MAYS LANDING-- Utilities are striving to meet Governor Corzine’s Energy Master Plan to ensure clean, reliable energy at reasonable prices to New Jersey citizens by 2020. They realize now more than ever that finding ways to help reduce costs and in some cases help customers pay their energy bill is just as important.

Due to the recent economic hardships, Atlantic City Electric has found that there is a group of customers who are unable to pay utility bills. To combat these economic pressures, the utility feels it is their duty to let customers in need know there is money available and how to tap into those resources. "We know that there are various sources of assistance out there that can help them, one of the things we try to do is to link them with those sources of assistance," said Mike Hoy, Atlantic City Electric Customer & Community Relations Manager.

During an energy summit today, various state and local agencies came together to discuss ways they help customers here in South Jersey makes ends meet with their energy costs. "These programs are in place to help the most vulnerable people in New Jersey but what happens to those folks who lose a job, temporary illness, something that just sets them behind, need a little help to get back on their feet and that's where New Jersey Shares comes in," said Barbara Gomes, New Jersey Shares Director of Outreach and Communications.

The main goal is to keep customers warm in the winter, cool in the summer and keep the lights on. Atlantic City Electric has taken necessary steps to help people take control of their energy consumption and costs while at the same time helping the environment...with an online tool. "Customers will have the ability to select options, decide if they want to save money, decide if want to save energy, which I think is an important point going forward," said Bob Marshall, Atlantic City Electric Region Vice President.

Along with helping customers with financial assistance, Atlantic City Electric understands they need to meet the energy challenges facing the nation and the world.

"There are significant resources being dedicated to upgrading the utility system so we can truly become smart and catch up with the 21st century, said Marshall.

Atlantic City Electric has submitted proposals for renewable energy production and energy reduction to the Board of Public Utilities to make way for the future.