Here’s What NJ Electric Rate Hikes Will Cost Livingston Residents

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Electricity bills are on the rise across New Jersey, including in Livingston. But how much will it cost local residents?

New electricity rates kicked in earlier this month for customers of Atlantic City Electric, Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G), Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) and Rockland Energy – all of whom can expect to see between a 17.2 and 20.2 percent increase on their electricity bills. The average customer will see their bill increase by more than $20 every month, some estimates say.

The latest 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 a rise in demand and a stressed power grid are also behind the rise in prices.

• See Related: NJ Approves More Relief For Skyrocketing Energy Bills

Meanwhile, some elected officials have pointed their finger towards artificial intelligence “data centers” that are driving up demand for power. Others have blamed “unfair practices” and “corporate exploitation” for the rise in rates.

• See Related: Electric Bills Being Driven Up By AI Data Centers In NJ, New Report Says
• See Related: NJ Senator Fights ‘Exploitative’ Electricity Hikes With New Proposed Laws

BREAKING DOWN THE BILL IN LIVINGSTON

Livingston officials recently issued a statement about the rate increases, noting that the town is served by two companies: PSE&G and JCP&L.

Customers of each will see increases in the supply portion of their electric bills, officials said.

“The township does not profit from these supply charges,” officials stated, adding that the cost is passed directly from the supplier to the customer.

The township provided the following cost estimates for local residents:

What PSE&G Customers Can Expect – “PSE&G electric customers can expect their electric bills to rise by 17%. For example, a typical residential customer using 650 kilowatt-hours per month will see an increase of about $27 per month, bringing the average monthly electric bill to $183. Combined gas and electric customers may see a smaller percentage increase across their total utility bill.”

What JCP&L Customers Can Expect – “JCP&L customers can expect to see an increase applied primarily to the supply charge—the portion of your bill based on electricity used—not the delivery charge. Rate increases vary, but residential customers using 777 kilowatt-hours/month will see a 19.9% increase in their total bill, for example.”

Livingston residents who have questions or concerns about electric bills or utility provider assistance programs should visit their utility provider’s website or call the company’s respective customer service numbers, officials said:

• Call PSE&G at 1-855-846-2895 or visit nj.pseg.com. PSE&G customers can find money-saving resources such as energy efficiency programs, bill payment assistance, equal payment plans, and energy-saving tips and tools at homeenergy.pseg.com.
• Call JCP&L at 1-800-662-3115 or visit firstenergycorp.com/fehome.html. JCP&L customers can find a budget billing plan, a tool to track household energy usage, and more resources at firstenergycorp.com/save_energy/save_energy_new_jersey/for_your_home_nj.html.

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