New Jersey residents and small businesses will see higher electric bills beginning June 1, 2025. Following the state’s annual electricity auction, monthly bills are expected to increase by 17-20% depending on where you live.
For the average household, this means paying about $20 more each month for electricity.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) explains several reasons for the price jump. Growing demand for electricity, especially from data centers, combined with slow development of new power sources has created a supply shortage. The regional power grid operator, PJM, is also facing criticism for market rules that drive up costs.
Governor Murphy and leaders from neighboring states have been pushing for changes to keep prices down. Their efforts resulted in some savings, but not enough to prevent these increases.
If you’re concerned about paying your utility bills, several assistance programs are available, including:
- Universal Service Fund
- Fresh Start Program
- Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Winter Termination Program also protects eligible customers from service disconnection between November 15 and March 15.
For more information, please visit https://www.nj.gov/bpu/
