Latest news with #JerseyCentralPower&Light
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NJ power bills are spiking this month. What to know.
Major electricity rate increases are in effect across New Jersey as of June 1 — just in time for what the National Weather Service expects to be a summer hotter than normal. The figure for 'average' residential kilowatt hour usage varies, but generally is around 650 kWh per month. Consumers at those levels could see monthly bill increases of approximately 17-20%. Businesses are similarly affected. These estimated increases vary by which utility serves your region. More: Atlantic City Electric is giving customers another break. What to know. In South Jersey, those are: Jersey Central Power & Light, 20.20%; Atlantic City Electric, 17.23%; and PSE&G, 17.24%. In cash terms that's an additional $22.67 to $28.02 per month for the average customer. The administration of New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities have pressed electric providers to come up with ways to lessen the impact. Electric company representatives have said they're paying more to buy the power they sell and aren't making money on these rate increases. Atlantic City Electric spokesman Brian Ahrens said on Friday that the utility has worked hard since the increases became public early this year at putting information in front of customers. This company is the utility provider for most southern counties in the state, including parts of Gloucester County. Ahrens and other utility representatives have echoed state government calls for consumers to seriously consider various conservation strategies and to look for financial assistance options. Company representatives have said they also expect results from more use of 'smart' meters. Other tips include: Conduct home efficiency evaluations. Search for rebates for energy efficient equipment and appliances. Looks for discounts on products such as programmable thermostats. Apply for budget billing to spread out seasonal cost spikes. Sign up for flexible payment plans. Utilities also are using their websites to steer customers to local, state and federal assistance programs. The increase in electricity costs is being put down to two reasons: Demand is higher, and energy production and/or delivery capacity have not kept pace. The growth in artificial intelligence data centers is claimed to be behind much of the demand for more electricity. Data centers are almost entirely in North Jersey. More: Electric bill increases in New Jersey: How much, and when, your bill will spike. Some of the assistance programs are as follows: Low Income Home Energy Assistance — helps low-income residents with heating and cooling bills, and makes provisions for emergency heating system services and emergency fuel assistance within the Home Energy Assistance Program. Call 1-800-510-3102 or visit for more information. Universal Service Fund — provides a monthly credit on natural gas and/or electric bills. USF shares an application with the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Visit or call toll-free at 1-866-240-1347. NJSHARES — provides grants to moderate- and fixed-income households in a temporary financial crisis. Eligibility is based on household size and income. Grants are to be used for energy consumption only — not deposits, reconnection fees or repairs. Grants are to result in continuance and/or restoration of service. Payments go to the utility company. Call 1-866-657-4273 or visit New Jersey Lifeline — assistance for older adults and people with disabilities. This may provide a $225 annual benefit to people who meet the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled eligibility requirements or who receive Supplemental Security Income. This includes utility customers as well as tenants whose utility bills are included in their rent. Call 1-800-792-9745 or visit Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey 36 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times. Have a tip? Support local journalism with a subscription. This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: NJ electric bills are set to increase by 20%
Malaysian Reserve
25-04-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
JCP&L's EnergizeNJ Infrastructure Upgrade Program Approved by New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
More than $202 million in investments planned to upgrade electric grid HOLMDEL, N.J., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), is set to expand smart grid technology across its northern and central New Jersey service territory following approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for its EnergizeNJ infrastructure investment program (IIP). In accordance with a BPU-approved agreement, JCP&L will invest more than $202.5 million over a three and a half year period starting July 1 to upgrade the company's neighborhood electric distribution grid with an increase in automated and remotely controlled devices. Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy's President, New Jersey: 'JCP&L is committed to making smart, responsible investments in our infrastructure that enhance the reliability our customers expect and deserve as well as the safety of our crews in the field. EnergizeNJ will allow us to reduce the length and number of customers affected by outage events and protect our line workers who are on the front lines of restoring power.' The EnergizeNJ program includes: More than $20.4 million in a Grid Modernization initiative that will replace solid fuses along power lines with TripSaver II devices, which can sense temporary abnormalities along power lines, such as a tree branch contacting power lines, and automatically reenergize the line after the condition has passed, as well as remotely controlled devices that allow for faster isolation of damage. A System Resiliency program that will invest more than $128.9 million to optimize circuits (or groups of power lines) for added operational flexibility and reliability, install remotely controlled circuit ties that can move customers to neighboring circuits during outage events and modernize devices along power lines. Substation Modernization programs designed to upgrade protection relays in substations and install newer, more modern devices that will provide enhanced data on physical substation equipment to operators at JCP&L's control centers. JCP&L will make additional investments of at least $132 million in matching projects during the program period. These upgrades include more than $18 million to replace vital components at coastal substations susceptible to the effects of salt and nearly $9 million for new mobile substations, which can be moved throughout JCP&L's territory to allow for necessary maintenance or in emergency outage situations. To further minimize the impact of these upgrades on customer bills, JCP&L will only charge for work as it is completed, resulting in five incremental bill impacts over the life of the program. The total bill impact for a typical JCP&L residential customer, using 777 kWh per month and currently paying $136.37, will be $0.86, or 0.6% per month. As part of the settlement, JCP&L will seek potential federal funding under the Federal Infrastructure and Jobs Act of 2021. Any federal funds awarded to the company will be credited back to customers to offset bill impacts. EnergizeNJ is part of Energize365, a multi-year grid evolution program focused on transmission and distribution investments that will deliver the power FirstEnergy's customers depend on today while also meeting the challenges of tomorrow. With planned investments of $28 billion between 2025 and 2029, the program is creating a smarter, more secure grid that will meet and exceed reliability targets and accommodate electric vehicles, the electrification of homes and businesses and clean energy sources. JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren. Follow JCP&L on X @JCP_L, on Facebook at or online at FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than six million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on X @FirstEnergyCorp or online at
CBS News
23-04-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
New Jersey man vows to rebuild after Jones Road Wildfire destroyed his business: "It's pure devastation"
A wildfire in Ocean County turned a business into rubble, but the owner plans to rebuild A wildfire in Ocean County turned a business into rubble, but the owner plans to rebuild A wildfire in Ocean County turned a business into rubble, but the owner plans to rebuild Evacuation orders were lifted Wednesday morning in Ocean and Lacey townships in Ocean County, New Jersey, and thousands of people were allowed to return home as the Jones Road Wildfire continues to spread. So far, the wildfire has burned 12,500 acres and is 40% contained. "It's rough, it's a hard pill to swallow," Frank Pezzuti said. Long-time employees and the president of Liberty Garage Door and Awning returned to the small business to find the building reduced to rubble. "You think you know what you're going to walk into until you walk into it, and there is not one thing that survived," Bob Nosti, the president of Liberty Garage Door and Awning, said. Once the wildfire exploded, Nosti said he started receiving messages that his building on Old Shore Road in Lacey Township was in danger. The reality was worse than he imagined after flames jumped the road and consumed the warehouse. A warehouse for Liberty Garage Door and Awning was reduced to rubble as the Jones Road Wildfire spreads through Ocean County. CBS News Philadelphia "It's pure devastation. A complete start over, but we will," Nosti said. "Terrible, we got out of here. I packed up my car and left," Arlene Eddins said. Eddins was one of about 5,000 people who evacuated. She returned home Wednesday morning, but with thick smoke still hanging over her neighborhood, she decided to stay with her granddaughter as firefighters raced to keep the flames away from nearby homes. "I couldn't sleep last night, I got my prayer book out this morning and thanked God my house is still there," Eddins said. "I'm so anxious, I can't really even eat, you just get worried," Laura Nitka said. Fire officials say no homes have been damaged, but nerves are still rattled. Although the warehouse is gone, employees say they're thankful no one was hurt. "Everybody who works here I've known, great friends with, and I'm completely thankful, grateful that nobody was here," Pezzuti said. "I mean, however, this is people's livelihood." Luckily, the president of Liberty Garage Door and Awning said, there is another location, so files and computers were not destroyed. Jersey Central Power & Light said crews have started to restore power and the majority of customers will have service by Wednesday evening.
Int'l Business Times
23-04-2025
- Climate
- Int'l Business Times
Massive New Jersey Wildfire Devastates 8,500 Acres, Threatens Wildlife and Communities Amid Historic Drought
A raging wildfire, named the Jones Road Wildfire, has consumed over 8,500 acres in Ocean County, New Jersey, threatening the delicate Pinelands ecosystem, displacing wildlife, and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. Igniting on April 22, 2025, in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area near Barnegat Township, the blaze has triggered a state of emergency, closed major highways, and left more than 25,000 homes without power. As of Wednesday morning, the fire remains only 10% contained, with dry conditions and gusty winds fueling its spread. State of Emergency Declared as Fire Threatens Homes New Jersey's Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency for Ocean County, citing the fire's rapid expansion and its threat to over 1,320 structures. "This fire has caused widespread disruption, including the evacuation of residents and the loss of power to thousands," Way said. The Garden State Parkway, a vital artery, was closed for 17 miles between Exits 63 and 80 as flames leaped across roads, including Route 9. Jersey Central Power & Light cut electricity to more than 25,000 customers to protect firefighters battling the blaze. The fire's ferocity has left communities in chaos. "The smoke was so thick, and ashes covered everything," said Kelly Mendoza, an evacuee from Barnegat Township. Shelters, such as Manchester Township High School, have opened to house displaced residents, with no reported injuries or fatalities as of Wednesday. Drought and Winds Fuel Unprecedented Fire Risk The Jones Road Wildfire is fueled by a historic drought gripping New Jersey, with southern Ocean County classified as abnormally dry or in moderate drought by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Low humidity, temperatures in the 70s, and winds gusting up to 25 mph have created ideal conditions for the fire's rapid spread. The National Weather Service noted an elevated fire risk across the region, with forecasts predicting continued breezy conditions through Wednesday, though rain may arrive by Friday night, offering hope for relief. New Jersey's 2025 wildfire season has been unusually severe, with 537 fires reported since early October—500 more than the same period last year. The state's burn bans and restrictions on outdoor fires remain in effect to curb further ignitions. Ecological Toll on the Pinelands The Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, a cornerstone of the Pinelands, is home to endangered species like the Pine Barrens tree frog and threatened species such as the northern pine snake. While the Pinelands' pitch pines and scrub oaks are adapted to periodic fires, the intensity of the Jones Road Wildfire could disrupt habitats and force wildlife into residential areas. Similar fires in Passaic County last fall saw animals seeking refuge in backyards, prompting experts to urge residents to provide water and space for displaced creatures. The long-term ecological impact depends on containment efforts. Uncontrolled fires can alter soil composition, reduce biodiversity, and hinder the recovery of fire-adapted ecosystems. The Pinelands' sandy soils and unique flora make it particularly vulnerable to prolonged blazes. A Growing Wildfire Threat in the Northeast The Jones Road Wildfire follows other destructive blazes in the region, including the Jennings Creek Wildfire, which burned over 7,000 acres across New York and New Jersey in November 2024 and claimed a volunteer firefighter's life. Experts attribute the surge in Northeast wildfires to climate change, which is driving warmer, drier conditions and extending fire seasons. "The combination of drought, wind, and warmth is a perfect storm for wildfires," said a National Weather Service spokesperson. New Jersey's 21 counties remain at heightened risk, with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service working tirelessly to contain the blaze. Helicopters and ground crews are deployed, but the fire's size and unpredictable winds pose significant challenges. Community Resilience and Recovery As containment efforts continue, Ocean County residents are banding together. Emergency services are providing updates via social media, and some evacuation orders have been lifted, allowing residents to return home. Damage assessments are ongoing, with early reports suggesting no single-family homes have been destroyed, though the threat persists. The psychological toll is evident. "It was terrifying to leave with just our documents and the clothes on our backs," said evacuee Ferrara. Recovery will require coordinated efforts to restore power, reopen roads, and support affected communities. Looking Toward a Fire-Resilient Future The Jones Road Wildfire underscores the need for proactive measures to address the growing wildfire threat in the Northeast. Experts call for enhanced forest management, public education on fire prevention, and climate adaptation strategies to mitigate drought and extreme weather. For now, the focus remains on containing the blaze and protecting lives, property, and the Pinelands' irreplaceable ecosystems. Originally published on
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- Climate
- The Hindu
Thousands evacuated as fire spreads in New Jersey
Some 3,000 residents were evacuated in the U.S. state of New Jersey after a wildfire exploded in size, scorching thousands of acres and threatening hundreds of structures, the State's fire service said Tuesday (April 22, 2025). As of 10:30 pm (0230 GMT) the Jones Road Wildfire was raging across Ocean County and was 10 percent contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in a post on social media platform X. It put the size of the blaze at 8,500 acres (3,440 hectares), just two hours after reporting the fire had hit 3,200 acres. The fire service said "numerous" fire and rescue personnel had been deployed along with fire engines, bulldozers and ground crews. It said the cause of the fire was "under investigation." Local media said the blaze had begun in a massive, rural coastal ecosystem known as the Pine Barrens, one of the largest protected land areas on the U.S. East Coast. New Jersey had been under an official drought warning, the State's Department of Environmental Protection said in March. Power was knocked out to roughly 25,000 customers, Jersey Central Power & Light said in a post on X. The blaze also forced the closure of a section of the Garden State Parkway, a major highway through the state. Ocean County, south of New York City, is a popular tourist destination that is part of the Jersey Shore and contains sights such as the Six Flags amusement park. The fire service said it would hold a press conference on Wednesday (April 23, 2025).
