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How NJ lawmakers hope to combat rising energy bills

TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey is using more and more energy – from EV chargers to data centers. Increased demand is one big reason why the State is bracing for another increase in energy bills. The State Board of Public Utilities announced the increases last month, following the State's annual electricity supply auction. Starting June 1st, rates for PSE&G customers are set to go up more than 17 percent. More Local News JCP&L customers, more than 20 percent. Customers of Atlantic City Electric and Rockland Electric will see similar increases too. All told, the average customer could be seeing an increase of around $22 to $28 on their bill. AARP New Jersey's State Director Chris Widelo says increases like this hurt those who are on fixed incomes. 'They can reach out to their legislators and let them know that this is a concern of theirs,' said Widelo. 'I think it's important that they hear that this is becoming a burden that they can't tolerate any longer.' Assemblyman Chris Tully is sponsoring a bill to streamline the process for people who qualify to get utility bill assistance. 'Really what this does is makes sure that those individuals that qualify for assistance get that assistance and they get it at a simplified process,' said Tully (D-NJ 38th District). 'So for our seniors, for those that qualify for any programs, we try to make it easier through one application.' More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Meanwhile, Assemblyman Paul Kanitra says mismanagement by the State has led to this, and long-term fixes are needed. 'We need to start building out our natural gas infrastructure immediately,' said Kanitra (R-NJ 10th District). 'We need to stop the offshore wind debacle and planning and spending taxpayer money on wind plants and cabling and power plants that are never going to be built, and we need to also look at some of these huge corporations that are coming in with their data centers and big energy draws, how are they going to contribute and how are they going to bring their own power sources?' Eatontown-based home budgeting expert Paul Oster says you can call your utility company and ask to be put on an estimated monthly payment plan, 'so they don't get hit with those huge increases over the summer when everybody's running their air conditioners,' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.