As New Jersey braces for another scorching summer, Governor Phil Murphy has announced a sweeping plan to shield residents from another round of crushing electric bills.
In a press conference held Thursday in Newark, Murphy revealed that nearly $430 million will be used to offer automatic bill credits to the state’s 3.9 million electricity customers. The move is aimed at easing the financial burden triggered by rising energy costs and back-to-back rate hikes just as air conditioners kick into high gear.
Here’s How Much You’ll Get
Most customers across the state can expect to see a $100 credit applied directly to their electric bills. Households with lower or moderate incomes may receive up to $250. While exact distribution dates haven’t been locked in, Murphy said many people could start seeing the relief reflected in their bills as early as September or October.
It’s about protecting residents from unfair spikes and unpredictable charges, Murphy explained Thursday, acknowledging the public outcry over last summer’s unexpectedly high power bills.
What’s Next?
The relief plan still needs a green light from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, but state officials are confident it will move forward.
The funding for this initiative comes from existing green energy program allocations—repurposed to provide what Murphy calls “direct relief” to those who need it most.
This isn’t Murphy’s first move to combat rising energy costs. Earlier this year, he called on utility companies to extend winter shutoff protections into the summer and demanded a pause on reconnection fees—giving residents more breathing room in extreme temperatures.
Why Are Energy Bills So High?
Energy market volatility is partly to blame. PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator responsible for delivering electricity to more than 65 million people, has come under fire for passing along higher generation costs to consumers. As a result, all major New Jersey utilities — including PSE&G, Atlantic City Electric, JCP&L, and Rockland Electric — have raised rates, with some households now facing 20 percent higher bills than last year.
Murphy hasn’t minced words when criticizing PJM’s policies, which he says continue to pressure families and working people with little transparency.
The Bottom Line
If you’re an electric customer in New Jersey, don’t be surprised if your fall bill is lower than expected. Just don’t forget to keep an eye out — your power bill could be packing a surprise refund.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.