Starting Saturday, new energy bill rates will go into effect for millions of New Jerseyans — a hike of as much as 25% as temperatures begin to dip and winter gets closer.
The state Board of Public Utilities unanimously approved the new rates at the start of September after companies argued that rising costs forced them to raise prices for their customers throughout the Garden State.
Customer bills are split between the delivery charge and the Basic Gas Supply Service. The supply service rate is based on the cost of natural gas as a commodity, officials said.
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BPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso noted at the time of the hike approval that utilities — by law — are allowed to recover losses from their customers when the price of gas increases.
The state’s largest utility, PSE&G, which has 2.4 million customers and 1.9 million gas customers, sought and was given a nearly 25% rate increase for its customers.
“Everything is more expensive today, and PSE&G continues to work hard to provide our customers with safe, reliable energy at the lowest possible cost,” Dave Johnson, PSE&G Customer Care vice president and chief customer officer, told NJ Advance Media in a statement. “To help manage energy use and costs, we offer resources, tips and a variety of energy efficiency programs.”
Here are 5 tips to save money:
1. Lower the thermostat
Try something as simple as lowering your thermostat if temperatures and other factors allow. After all, home heating is the largest user of energy and this provides ample opportunity to save, officials said.
“Lowering the thermostat by just one degree can reduce your heating bill by up to 3%,” said PSE&G spokeswoman Lauren Ugorji. “Save even more by lowering your thermostat 2 degrees during the day when you are home, and 5 to 10 degrees when you are away and at bedtime, if health conditions permit.”
2. Be efficient when you cook and clean
Officials at New Jersey Natural Gas note the bevy of simple ways to be more efficient during everyday tasks.
When used correctly, dishwashers consume less energy than washing by hand, the public utility company said. Other dishwasher tips to keep in mind: wash with a full load, allow dishes to air-dry and, if possible, replace older models with newer ones that use up less energy.
When cooking, according to utility companies, avoid preheating when using a natural gas oven unless the recipe requires it, keep oven doors closed to not waste energy and adjust flames to fit pans when cooking on stoves.
3. Try practical alternatives
Be sure to close fire place dampers when not in use, move furniture and drapes away from heating sources and make sure vents are not blocked, officials said.
“Use weather stripping or caulk to seal up cracks and prevent drafts in windows and doorframes,” a PSE&G spokeswoman said. “Beneath doors, install draft guards available at hardware stores.”
You should also try ceiling fans to better circulate warm air, remove or cover window air conditioners to reduce drafts, and, if you can, replace old drafty windows for more insulation and less heat loss.
4. Don’t do this
While adjusting your thermostat is OK, don’t adjust or change your meter, which you can see here to spot the difference. Think your meter is inaccurate? Contact your utility company for help.
You should also be wary of scams, which can cost you money.
“PSE&G never requests immediate payment of bills or threatens to immediately shutoff power,” officials there said.
Both South Jersey Gas and New Jersey Natural Gas have a list of warning signs to spot scammers available online as well.
A South Jersey Gas spokeswoman also noted that customers should not wait until New Jersey’s utility shutoff moratorium ends March 15 before making arrangements to pay unpaid balances.
“Customers may apply for assistance programs online, through mail or in person. The South Jersey Gas website includes descriptions of all the energy assistance programs here in New Jersey,” the spokeswoman said.
5. Find resources
Kevin Roberts, a spokesman for New Jersey Natural Gas, also noted that plenty of tips and resources are available online.
New Jersey Natural Gas customers can call 800-221-0051 or visit njng.com/my-account-services/payment-options/PaymentAssistance.aspx for information on Energy Assistance resources.
There, customers will also find a schedule of NJNG Energy Assistance Days where they can visit in person to specified locations to find help, Roberts said.
“We recognize many customers are struggling to pay bills in the current economic state and we encourage them to take advantage of all available assistance ...,” a PSE&G spokeswoman said.
Additional information on PSE&G assistance programs is available here.
“In 2021 we introduced Conserve, a comprehensive portfolio of energy efficiency programs and energy saving tips and resources to help customers reduce their energy usage and save money,” said Brent Schomber, president and COO, of South Jersey Gas. “Customers can also access utility assistance programs online at southjerseygas.com/energyassistance.”
South Jersey Gas provides information on programs and resources here.
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Steven Rodas may be reached at srodas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @stevenrodasnj.
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