N.J. regulators and utilities announce $430 million summer relief package, shutoff protections

Christine Goul Sidovi, president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, said the board and the state secured a $430 million package of direct bill relief to blunt sharp increases in electricity supply costs this summer. “That means regardless of income, everyone will receive a $100 in direct bill assistance this summer to help offset the increase in costs,” Sidovi said, announcing the statewide payment.

The package combines state funding with voluntary utility actions. Sidovi said investor-owned utilities agreed to apply $30 credits to July and August bills — $60 in total — that will be repaid over six months at $10 per month from September through February. “No residential ratepayer will pay any more from these deferrals, not a cent more than they would have otherwise paid,” she said.

Why it matters: A recent regional procurement auction run by PJM drove a sharp increase in wholesale electricity prices ahead of the summer peak, and state officials warned heat-driven demand will raise household bills unless mitigated. The NJBPU framed the package as a short-term intervention to ease the summer price shock while staff and regulators pursue longer-term affordability solutions.

Who gets extra help: Sidovi said households enrolled in winter termination protection and other income-qualified programs will receive an additional $25 monthly credit from August through February (totaling at least $150 and potentially $175). The board is still finalizing administrative details for the $100 universal credit and expects the full board to sign off on implementation steps.

Protections and program access: The utilities and the board agreed to a summer moratorium on eligible customer shutoffs and to waive reconnection fees for customers who were previously disconnected. The BPU also approved an expansion of the Universal Service Fund, effective Oct. 1, to raise minimum and maximum monthly bill credits for qualifying electric and gas customers; Sidovi said only about 20% of eligible households currently participate in USF.

Utility programs and outreach: Each investor-owned utility outlined steps to help customers apply for assistance and reduce future bills. Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) highlighted outreach and weatherization efforts and urged customers to use no-cost energy-efficiency programs. Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) emphasized the need for customers to contact their utility to determine eligibility for protections or payment plans and listed phone and online contacts for help. Atlantic City Electric announced a new Customer Relief Fund, funded by a one-time contribution from its parent company and administered with nonprofit partner Shares, offering grants (up to $300) to eligible low- and moderate-income customers starting in early July. Rockland Electric Company (RECO) described a multiyear clean-energy and efficiency push, including $55 million in planned investment for 2025–2027 and programs that provide up to $6,000 in rebates and no-interest financing for qualifying upgrades.

How to apply: Utility representatives repeatedly urged customers who are struggling to reach out directly for eligibility screening, applications, or enrollment in budget-billing or deferred-payment plans. Several utilities noted some assistance is automatic for customers already enrolled in qualifying protections, while other programs require direct contact.

Next steps: The NJBPU said staff will finalize the mechanics for applying the $100 universal credit after the August deferral period and will present required implementation details to the full board. In the meantime, the utilities will begin applying the July and August credits and offering summer shutoff protections and outreach events.