The increase, which was part of a larger trend of rising energy costs, was attributed to several factors, including the rising cost of natural gas, the need for more renewable energy sources, and the aging infrastructure of the state’s power grid. The increase in electricity rates was met with mixed reactions from residents. Some welcomed the change, arguing that it was necessary to fund upgrades to the aging power grid and to support the transition to renewable energy sources.

## New Jersey Electric Bills: A Breakdown

New Jersey residents face a unique set of challenges when it comes to their electric bills. The Garden State’s high energy demand, coupled with its reliance on fossil fuels, contributes to higher electricity costs compared to other states. **Average Electric Bill:**

The average electric bill in New Jersey is around $180 per month.

**Key Factors Determining Electricity Bills**

* **Location:** The specific town or region within New Jersey will influence electricity rates. * **Energy Provider:** Different electricity providers offer varying plans and rates. * **Usage:** The amount of electricity consumed directly impacts the bill.

The rise of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power has led to a significant shift in the electricity market. This shift has resulted in a decrease in the cost of electricity generation and a rise in competition among electricity providers. This has led to a decrease in the average electricity rates for consumers.

Average electric bill in New Jersey Average electricity price (in cents per kilowatt-hour) Average monthly usage (kWh) Average electric bill New Jersey 16.74 682 $114.08 United States 15.04 899 $135.25 Shopping for electricity in New Jersey New Jersey has a deregulated energy market. This means you’re given options on where your energy comes from, instead of everyone in a given area buying their energy from a single source. The state deregulated its energy markets 25 years ago, seeking to drive competition between energy suppliers. But even with a deregulated market, you still have to purchase your electricity through the utility that services the area — PSE&G, Atlantic City Electric, Jersey Central Power & Light or Rockland Electric — but you can choose an energy supplier through your utility, potentially resulting in lower electric bills.

This statement highlights the importance of comparing different plans and not settling for the first option that comes your way. This is particularly relevant in the context of energy plans, where consumers often face a complex landscape of options, making it crucial to understand the nuances of each plan before making a decision. For instance, consider a scenario where two energy providers offer similar plans with identical monthly costs.

A. New Jersey Residents Can Control Their Energy Costs
B.

* **Energy Choice:** New Jersey residents can choose their electricity supplier, offering greater control over their energy costs. * **Licensed Third-Party Suppliers:** These suppliers are regulated by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and ensure consumer protection. * **NJ Power Switch:** A website that provides information and resources for consumers to compare and switch energy suppliers.

This exemption is a significant benefit for homeowners, as it can save them thousands of dollars over the time they own their homes. The state also offers a net metering program, which allows homeowners to sell excess solar energy back to the grid. This program helps homeowners offset their electricity bills and potentially earn money from their solar panels.

The U.S. Forest Service (USF) offers a unique program that provides monthly credits to New Jersey residents who qualify based on income. This program aims to help low-income families struggling with rising energy costs.

## Lifeline Program: Assistance for Low-Income Energy Bills

The Lifeline Program, administered by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), provides financial assistance for low-income households in the state. The program’s goal is to help people keep their homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer by providing access to affordable energy sources.

Energy-saving tips for New Jerseyans Shopping around for a new supplier isn’t the only way New Jersey residents can save on their electric bills. A big part of paying less for energy is using less energy, and there are plenty of ways you can reduce your energy use to lower those monthly payments. Keep your HVAC system in shape “Air conditioning and heating are the biggest energy users in the home,” Marshall said, noting that as much as half of your household energy could be used by your home’s HVAC system. “If they’re not operating optimally, it’s going to cost you a lot of money.”

**A. HVAC Maintenance: Keeping Your Home Comfortable and Energy Efficient**
**B.

This is a crucial aspect of HVAC maintenance, as it directly impacts the system’s lifespan and energy efficiency. Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your HVAC system. Let’s delve deeper into the importance of HVAC maintenance and how it can benefit you. **Importance of HVAC Maintenance**

HVAC systems are essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. They play a vital role in regulating temperature, humidity, and air quality.

Another way to save on heating and cooling costs is by installing a smart thermostat. This Wi-Fi-enabled device can automatically optimize your HVAC system’s performance while keeping your home comfortable. For example, a smart thermostat can automatically turn down your heater or air conditioner when you’re at work, then kick back on before you arrive, reducing your energy usage and lowering your bill. “Leveraging technology like smart thermostats to maximize the efficiency of your HVAC system can save energy and save you quite a bit of money,” Marshall said. Get a home energy audit If you’re really interested in lowering your electric bill, consider a home energy audit. You can do a low-tech audit yourself or pay for a professional energy auditor to assess your home. You’ll get up to $150 back on the cost via a federal tax credit in the Inflation Reduction Act.

## Auditors can help save homeowners money and reduce their carbon footprint. ## A home energy audit is an investment, but one that pays off in the long run. ## The benefits of a home energy audit extend beyond just saving money on energy bills.

Avoid space heaters Space heaters can make a chilly room feel more comfortable, but they’re not the smartest way to heat your home, from an energy efficiency and safety perspective. “They’re super inefficient and they are huge energy users, so you don’t want to rely on those things all the time to heat your home,” Marshall said. “They’re dangerous. A lot of home fires start from space heaters.”