Innovative proposed program, designed to alleviate financial strains on households, signifies a crucial step toward supporting New Jersey’s communities and promoting sustainable, renewable energy solutions
Media Contact: Karen Imas, Senior External Affairs Manager, Attentive Energy (karen.imas@totalenergies.com)
November 8, 2023, Asbury Park, NJ — Attentive Energy, a leading offshore wind developer, has proudly announced a proposed partnership with New Jersey SHARES (NJ SHARES), a nonprofit organization specializing in aiding limited-income households, to introduce a groundbreaking housing assistance initiative, ATTENTIVE-NJ SMART (SHARES Mortgage Assistance Rent or Taxes).
In connection with the 1,342 MW Attentive Energy Two proposal which was submitted in August 2023 to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), ATTENTIVE-NJ SMART proposes an initiative to provide substantial support for New Jersey residents, particularly in Monmouth County and statewide, who are confronting temporary financial challenges related to homeownership or renting. The ATTENTIVE-NJ SMART program is conditional upon award of Attentive Energy Two by the NJBPU.
The partnership was announced at the Energy Assistance Fair in Asbury Park which included organizations from around the State that provide financial support and solutions to families and individuals. New Jersey is the seventh most expensive state for renters and has the ninth highest home prices in the nation, according to U.S. Census and HUD data in 2022. The ATTENTIVE-NJ SMART program will offer up to $4 million over several years to provide assistance for up to 4,000 eligible New Jersey residents who have experienced temporary financial crisis and are facing housing emergencies.
“The Attentive Energy Two team is looking forward to partnering with NJ SHARES to address housing challenges faced by New Jerseyans. This partnership aligns with our commitment to support communities statewide and leverage renewable energy initiatives for broader impact,” stated Damian Bednarz, President, Attentive Energy.
Utilizing NJ SHARES’ expertise in providing financial aid grants and leveraging its extensive statewide network, the ATTENTIVE-NJ SMART proposed investment will disburse one-time grants of up to $5,000 to alleviate the financial burden faced by households in distressed communities. NJ SHARES will use its longstanding expertise in providing assistance grants to limited income households and will employ its state-wide network of partners to administer the ATTENTIVE-NJ SMART housing assistance program.
“NJ SHARES is excited to partner with Attentive Energy on this essential initiative. Our collaboration seeks to make a tangible difference in the lives of New Jersey residents, especially those encountering financial difficulties in housing-related matters,” said Cheryl Stowell, Executive Director, NJ SHARES.
The program’s primary focus will be to identify locations and communities for maximum impact, ensuring distribution of aid to those who need it most.
About Attentive Energy Two
Attentive Energy Two (“AE2”) is an offshore wind project designed to help New Jersey meet its nation leading offshore wind targets and will strengthen and expand upon the State’s foundational offshore wind investments. Attentive Energy has developed a holistic offshore wind proposal, informed by engagement with hundreds of stakeholders over four years, that will create economic opportunities statewide reaching all 21 counties. Approximately 42 miles from its nearest point in New Jersey, the project will power over 600,000 homes with clean renewable energy. As a joint venture between TotalEnergies and Corio Generation, a partnership representing one of the largest offshore wind portfolios in the world, Attentive Energy Two is uniquely positioned and committed to delivering this major offshore wind project for New Jersey. For more information, please
visit www.attentiveenergy.com/attentiveenergytwo
About NJ SHARES
NJ SHARES is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to income-eligible New Jersey households for paying their energy, telephone, broadband (internet), water, tax, rent and mortgage bills. Applications for NJ SHARES grants can be made at any of the more than 270 participating social service agencies throughout the state or online. For more information, call 1-866-657-4273 or visit www.njshares.org.
