PSEG (Public Service Electric And Gas) gas off now charging a reconnect fee of 362.00 Burlington, New Jersey

In response to Joy's comment, I'd like to make it known that in NJ, it is just not that simple. I am also a single Mom. I am a nurse by trade disabled by a car accident. My electric bill sits at $3000. This is NOT a joke. I have called to have lines checked...nothing. Box/meter replaced...nothing. I live with a friend of the family who is rarely here. I live rent free in exchange for paying electric and caring for the animals. The bills started off reasonable, and the following year they more than doubled. Mind you there have been NO changes in the home, other than the fact that I received a scholarship for my son, so instead of homeschooling him, he goes to Catholic School now. (point being, even LESS energy used!) I have tried to call in the BPU, and they estimate 6 mos for an investigation.

I have called EVERY SINGLE PROGRAM available, and they are ALL out of funds. 8 churches, LIHEAP, Universal Services Fund, Community Outreach, and Catholic Charities. All broke.

So in response to Joy...please understand that it is not necessarily a case of mom's who have not already exhausted all avenues to care for their children...this state and it's programs are a mess.

They are not supposed to turn off electric in the Winter, and especially if you have an "at risk" child in the home (chronic illness, disability, asthma, etc.) HOWEVER, they have had my documentation of TANF and food stamps for a year, as well as letters from my son's pediatrician due to the fact he missed 5 weeks of school this winter with a horrific upper respiratory virus. It did not matter. The ONLY reason it is still on, is due to a computer glitch that sends the shut off guy to the wrong town to find our home. They will eventually catch up, and then off it will go. I live in constant fear.
There are those of us out there that are aware of all the steps to take, but sometimes that isn't enough. I have lived in other parts of NJ and had different carriers, (GPU, JCP&L) and have never had the issues I have had with this company. PSE&G IS AS CROOKED AND CORRUPT AS THE DAY IS LONG....google the complaints and watch your screen fill up.

As I understand your gas has been cut off, Is your electricity still on?

a good substitute could be electric blankets and heating pads, at least your children will be warm at night.

Search the internet for their contact info.

The NJ Public Utilities Board is your state's governing body for suppliers of public utilities.

There should be someone in their office that can help you get your issues resolved with PSEG and possibly get you contact information for any assistance programs that may be available.

i know that times are tough - but there are a lot of programs out there that can help - for one you can go to your church, the red cross - or contact the county assistance programs -

it will be in the best interest of your children if you were to act now and get these calls done before someone makes a complaint about you - as with any situation such as not having gas for heat, etc., the state can step in and take over - which you don't want to happen.  even tough they are your children, the state actually owns them.

please seek whatever types of programs you can for assistance - call the gas company and ask them what types of assistant programs they have - some times they can give you phone numbers of places where you can get help to get the gas back on - please take care

Is there a reason you could not pay the $65.00 - do you receive child support?

I had TXU cut my gas off in December one year after I set up a payment - I was without for 5 days in 30 below weather - Thank God I had parents to help me with a deposit and finally got that deposit back

Beg, borrow and steal if you have to but sorry to say you are gonna have to pay that deposit

It sounds like a very unfortunate situation and I always thought that they couldn't legally turn off your heat in the fall or winter in the North East (esp. considering you only owed $65) but if what you are saying is true you need to seriously keep calling PSEG and try to work out some arrangement with them to get your heat back on, maybe offer to make payments on the reconnect fee (If they wont waive it or reduce it) Just dont take no for an answer, keep calling, ask for a manager, threaten legal action. Tell them your situation and that you have children. If its bad now its only getting colder and we get into winter. If anything serious happened to one of your children it would be a PR disaster for PSEG. In the meantime I would also check into laws on when they can legally cut off your heat to see if you have a leg to stand on.  Otherwise buy extra blankets, keep your kids in sweaters and/or jackets at all time indoors and keep in mind there are a lot of single mothers with children out on the street without even shelter. It could always be worse. Good Luck.