Inflation is down from a 40-year high reached just two years ago, but customers can still expect to pay more on their electricity bills this summer, thanks to the state’s annual energy auction.
But there are ways New Jersey residents can cut dollars and cents off their bills. On average, New Jersey residents pay about $115 a month for electricity, according to financial advisory website SmartAsset in a post dating back to last August.
Why is my electricity bill rising?
New electricity prices take effect in less than two weeks. That’s thanks to an auction conducted by the state Public Utilities Board that sets wholesale electricity prices that the four electric utilities will pay and pass along to all New Jersey resident and small business customers who don’t choose a third-party electric supplier.
This year, residential customers will see a “moderate increase in energy costs,” BPU President Christine Jules Sadovy said in a statement. “Our primary goal remains to do what is in the best interest of taxpayers throughout New Jersey.”
The monthly increases are as follows:
- Atlantic City Electric: 4.8%, or $7.34, to $161.62.
- Jersey Central Power & Lighting: 8.6%, or $8.34, to $104.93.
- PSE&G: 6.2%, or $8.22, to $140.12
- Rockland Electric: 3.6%, or $4.71, to $135.57.
To help save money on your bill, we’ve put together a guide on how to save during the next few months of hot weather.
Make sure your cooling systems are equipped with buttons
Dirty filters make your air conditioner work harder, so replace them monthly, according to Utility Electric and Gas.
Meanwhile, ceiling fans also work well and cost less to cool a home, PSE&G added.
Fans use up to 90% less energy than air conditioners, according to the state BPU.
“The smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower the overall cooling bill,” the U.S. Department of Energy website says.
This means setting your thermostat to a higher level when you are away from your home or apartment during the warmer months, PSEG said.
“Keep your home warmer than usual when you’re away, and lower your thermostat settings when you get home and need to cool down,” the DOE said. “A programmable thermostat allows you to do this automatically and without sacrificing comfort.”
The Department of Energy said you should avoid placing lamps or televisions near an air conditioner or thermostat, because these devices may react to the heat generated by the light.
You should also seal holes and cracks around doors and windows with sealant or weatherproofing, to prevent warm air from seeping into your residence.
Save energy when cooking and cleaning
PSE&G said timers and motion detectors ensure the lights use power only when it’s needed.
“Replace outdated appliances, including room air conditioners, with energy-efficient options,” the state BPU said. “Replace old, inefficient, energy-efficient appliances (refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner, oven, etc.) with highly efficient models.”
The BPU also advised keeping the refrigerator at a constant temperature of 36 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit for “maximum effectiveness,” and the freezer at 15 degrees.
Frequently used items should be kept in one place in the refrigerator so that the door remains open for a shorter period of time.
According to BPU, LEDs will save an additional $55 in electricity costs compared to a traditional 100-watt CFL bulb, despite higher initial costs.
Daniel Munoz covers business, consumer affairs, labor and economics for NorthJersey.com and The Record.
e-mail: munozd@northjersey.com; Twitter:@danielmunoz100 and Facebook
