Governor Murphy announced today that he is signing an executive order extending the moratorium on utility shutoffs through May 15th, 2021. 

The moratorium on utility shutoffs, which was set to expire on Thursday, has been in place due to the overwhelming financial stress placed on households due to the coronavirus pandemic and have kept the lights on in thousands of dwellings across the state.

Murphy said the moratorium prohibits companies from shutting off electricity, gas service, or water to homes because of a lack of service payments and that service must be restored if it’s been disconnected during the public health emergency in New Jersey.

The governor also said an additional $15 million in utility assistance will be provided to the programs currently run by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.