NJ power bills are spiking this month. What to know.
The figure for 'average' residential kilowatt hour usage varies, but generally is around 650 kWh per month. Consumers at those levels could see monthly bill increases of approximately 17-20%. Businesses are similarly affected.
These estimated increases vary by which utility serves your region.
More: Atlantic City Electric is giving customers another break. What to know.
In South Jersey, those are: Jersey Central Power & Light, 20.20%; Atlantic City Electric, 17.23%; and PSE&G, 17.24%. In cash terms that's an additional $22.67 to $28.02 per month for the average customer.
The administration of New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities have pressed electric providers to come up with ways to lessen the impact. Electric company representatives have said they're paying more to buy the power they sell and aren't making money on these rate increases.
Atlantic City Electric spokesman Brian Ahrens said on Friday that the utility has worked hard since the increases became public early this year at putting information in front of customers. This company is the utility provider for most southern counties in the state, including parts of Gloucester County.
Ahrens and other utility representatives have echoed state government calls for consumers to seriously consider various conservation strategies and to look for financial assistance options. Company representatives have said they also expect results from more use of 'smart' meters.
Other tips include:
Conduct home efficiency evaluations.
Search for rebates for energy efficient equipment and appliances.
Looks for discounts on products such as programmable thermostats.
Apply for budget billing to spread out seasonal cost spikes.
Sign up for flexible payment plans.
Utilities also are using their websites to steer customers to local, state and federal assistance programs.
The increase in electricity costs is being put down to two reasons: Demand is higher, and energy production and/or delivery capacity have not kept pace.
The growth in artificial intelligence data centers is claimed to be behind much of the demand for more electricity. Data centers are almost entirely in North Jersey.
More: Electric bill increases in New Jersey: How much, and when, your bill will spike.
Some of the assistance programs are as follows:
Low Income Home Energy Assistance — helps low-income residents with heating and cooling bills, and makes provisions for emergency heating system services and emergency fuel assistance within the Home Energy Assistance Program. Call 1-800-510-3102 or visit nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/hea.shtml for more information.
Universal Service Fund — provides a monthly credit on natural gas and/or electric bills. USF shares an application with the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Visit energyassistance.nj.gov or call toll-free at 1-866-240-1347.
NJSHARES — provides grants to moderate- and fixed-income households in a temporary financial crisis. Eligibility is based on household size and income. Grants are to be used for energy consumption only — not deposits, reconnection fees or repairs. Grants are to result in continuance and/or restoration of service. Payments go to the utility company. Call 1-866-657-4273 or visit njshares.org.
New Jersey Lifeline — assistance for older adults and people with disabilities. This may provide a $225 annual benefit to people who meet the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled eligibility requirements or who receive Supplemental Security Income. This includes utility customers as well as tenants whose utility bills are included in their rent. Call 1-800-792-9745 or visit nj.gov/humanservices/doas/services/l-p/lifeline-utility/.
Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey 36 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.
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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: NJ electric bills are set to increase by 20%
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