Electric Bill Savings Coming For Cranford Residents

CRANFORD, NJ - Cranford residents are getting a new opportunity to sign up for energy savings as part of ongoing solar initiatives taking place throughout the township.

Next week, letters will be sent to all residents detailing the New Jersey Solar Energy Program savings program. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Individuals can save up to 31 percent on the electric portion of their PSE&G monthly utility bill, pending certain income limit restrictions. Mayor Terrence Curran said all further details would be released next week.

This new relief is the latest form of support coming to ratepayers after months of higher energy costs taking effect on June 1. Customers of Atlantic City Electric, PSE&G, Jersey Central Power & Light and Rockland Energy all were told to expect to see between a 17.2 and 20.2 percent increase on their monthly bills. Lawmakers have been scrambling all summer on how to deal with the price surge, with one major deferral program getting approval that delays payments until later in the year.

The hikes are due to the results of last year’s annual New Jersey Basic Generation Service auction, which determines the cost companies pay for power generated outside of the state. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities said the rise in demand and a stressed power grid can also be blamed for the prices rising.

On Aug. 13, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) approved providing all New Jersey electric customers with $100 in bill credits this fall. The credits apply to customers of all four providers, and no action is required from account holders.

According to the BPU, one bill credit of $50 will be applied in September, and another $50 credit will be applied in October.

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