Media Relations	Public Service Electric and Gas Company 80 Park Plaza, 4B Newark, NJ 07102-4194 Tel: 973-430-7734 Fax: 973-733-2818

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 14, 2006

Good News for those Struggling with High Energy Bills

Grants available for consumers who have fallen on hard times

(NEWARK) PSE&G is delivering good news for those struggling with high energy bills: There’s help available. New Jersey residents having difficulty meeting their financial obligations because of a temporary setback may qualify for as much as $1,000 toward their outstanding electric and gas bills. This is welcome relief for those who have unexpectedly fallen on hard times and need help getting caught up.

“A financial crisis can happen to anyone -- regardless of age, income or family situation,” said Domnick Facchini, leader of PSE&G’s customer operations. “These grants can provide significant help to those who wouldn’t qualify for traditional assistance programs, and give people the power they need to get back on their feet again.”

This newest round of relief comes from the state legislature, which recently released $7 million to NJ SHARES. NJ SHARES is a nonprofit organization that assists those who have fallen behind on their utility bills due to a temporary financial crisis, such as a job loss or illness. Through a statewide network of 89 community-based social service agencies, NJ SHARES provides relief to people who are not eligible for other types of assistance.

Eligibility for NJ SHARES assistance is based on a demonstrated financial crisis. Applicants must be able to show that they have been making a good faith effort to pay their bills. Upon approval, an individual or household can receive a one-time grant of up to $700 for gas and $300 for electricity, applied directly to the utility bill. For information on how and where to apply, call NJ SHARES toll free at 1-866-657-4273 or visit www.njshares.org.

PSE&G customers who need help putting together a manageable payment plan and finding additional payment assistance programs are encouraged to call the utility Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 8 pm at 1-866-630-9741.

For more information on resources available to help manage PSE&G bills, visit www.pseg.com/billpaymentassistance.

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey’s oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state’s population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne National Achievement Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company (www.pseg.com).

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