HOLMDEL, N.J. — A failed state energy plan has resulted in electricity rate increases as high as 20% in New Jersey, thanks to Governor Phil Murphy’s failed clean energy agenda, but one company is giving loans and promises not to shut your power off during the summer.
Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) will implement customer assistance measures this summer to help reduce the impact of rising electricity supply costs, following approval by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.
Beginning in July, JCP&L will apply a $30 deferral credit to all residential electric bills for both July and August. That credit will be repaid by customers over six months—September through February—via a $10 monthly charge during lower usage periods.
“Electricity supply costs, which are nearly 60% of a family’s bill in our service territory, have surged this summer,” said Doug Mokoid, President of FirstEnergy New Jersey. “While we don’t control supply prices, we are committed to helping customers manage these increases through new and expanded assistance programs.”
Additional measures include a temporary suspension of service shut-offs in July, August, and September for qualifying customers, waived reconnection fees from July 1 through September 30, and expanded payment plans allowing customers to spread balances over 24 months instead of the previous 12-month maximum.
Programs target affordability as rates rise nearly 20 percent
JCP&L’s year-round support programs remain available, including energy efficiency rebates, home energy audits, and bill assistance for income-eligible and medically vulnerable customers. Resources and application portals can be found at firstenergycorp.com/billassist and energysavenj.com.
The cost of electricity supply has increased due to a mix of higher demand and reduced generation capacity following power plant retirements. As a result, Basic Generation Service (BGS) rates for customers who do not choose their own supplier have jumped, increasing average residential bills by 19.6%. JCP&L, which only delivers electricity, passes supplier charges to customers without markup.
The utility serves approximately 1.1 million customers across 13 New Jersey counties, including Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Morris.
JCP&L customers will see $30 summer credits and expanded payment options as electricity bills rise nearly 20% amid statewide supply cost increases.