NJ Electric Customers To Receive $100 Relief As Power Bills Spiral Out Of Control

Relief is coming for New Jersey residents facing high electric bills. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved a $100 bill credit for all residential electric customers. The credit will be distributed in two $50 installments during September and October 2025.

Customers won’t need to take any action to receive this money. The credit will automatically appear on bills for those who use PSE&G, JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric, and Rockland Electric Company. This relief comes as electric rates jumped 17-20% on June 1, 2025, adding hundreds of dollars to monthly household expenses. This initiative arrives as neighboring states like Minnesota, New York, and Michigan face potential tariff-related increases due to Ontario’s new 25% power surcharge.

The $385 million program, known as the Residential Universal Bill Credit, is funded through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and unused solar compliance funds. All residential customers qualify regardless of income level, making this different from other assistance programs that target specific groups.

Unlike typical targeted assistance, this $385 million program provides relief to all residential customers through greenhouse gas and solar funds.

Utilities must report which accounts received credits within 45 days after the final payment is made. The BPU’s decision was announced on Wednesday, August 13 following an evaluation of the financial strain on households. The relief was announced during a summer of record-breaking heat when air conditioning use drove electricity bills even higher. Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the importance of providing economic relief during this difficult period.

Several factors led to the rate increases, including higher energy demand, infrastructure upgrades, and rising supply costs. Wholesale electricity prices rose about 20% in June, with more increases expected in future auctions.

New Jersey is also providing additional relief through two $30 bill credits in July and August 2025. The state offers several ongoing assistance programs for residents who need more help, including the Universal Service Fund, Fresh Start, PAGE, and others.

The Lifeline program provides a $225 annual credit for seniors and disabled adults who meet income requirements. State officials continue to monitor bill impacts and support vulnerable residents as electricity costs rise.

The BPU introduced these measures as part of a broader effort to maintain grid reliability while keeping energy affordable for New Jersey families during a time of significant price increases.