Dear Editor: Utility customers behind on their bills should know that March 15 marked the end of New Jersey’s winter moratorium, protecting eligible residential utility customers from having their electric and/or gas service disconnected between November 15 and March 15. Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) Company, New Jersey’s largest utility, is reminding customers to contact PSE&G to address their account balances and avoid having service interrupted. “Interrupting a customer’s service is the last thing we want to occur,” said Victor S. Viscomi, the utility’s manager of credit and collection. To avoid an interruption of gas and/or electric service, Viscomi urges customers to contact PSE&G at 1-800-357-2262 to discuss a good faith payment and make arrangements for the remainder of the balance. “PSE&G recognizes that, for some people, paying the bills, including utility bills, is a challenge,” said Vicsomi. “We want our customers to know that they have options.” The following are some options available to assist PSE&G customers in paying their bills: Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) — The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides benefits to income eligible households in paying their heating bills. Normally, the application period closes the last day of February. This year the State of New Jersey has extended the application period to May 31, 2000. Those customers who have already applied for HEAP can apply for an additional emergency grant if they have had their service interrupted or are in danger of having it interrupted for non-payment of their bill. Applications for HEAP are available through local Community Action Programs (CAP) agencies and through local PSE&G service centers. For more information, call 1-800-510-3102. NJ SHARES — For customers who do not meet the income guidelines for HEAP, there is a non-profit, statewide fuel fund called New Jersey Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services (NJ SHARES). NJ SHARES provides assistance to individuals and families who need temporary help paying their energy bills. For the local community-based organization that handles NJ SHARES please call 609-443-8118. Lifeline Credit Program — The Lifeline Credit Program, sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, provides a $225 credit toward utility bills for adults 65 years or older or who receive Social Security disability benefits and are at least 18 years old. For an application and more information, call the State of New Jersey at 1-800-792-9745. PSE&G, founded in 1903, served 1.9 million electric customers and 1.5 million gas customers in New Jersey. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG) a diversified energy and energy services company. Website address: www.pseg.com. PSE&G