Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) customers will see a rise in monthly electricity bills following approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to expand the utility’s energy efficiency initiatives. Under the new plan, the average residential customer using 777 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per month will experience a monthly increase of $1.06 (or 0.8%) in the first year of the program. By the final program year, from July 2026 through June 2027, this increase will total $4.03 per month, or approximately 3% on average.
The rate adjustments will fund a range of energy-saving initiatives, which JCP&L says align with New Jersey’s Clean Energy Act of 2018 and the state’s Energy Master Plan. These include:
- Whole Home Program: Offers home energy assessments and upgrades for residential customers.
- Energy Efficient Products Program: Provides incentives for energy-saving equipment, including HVAC systems, appliances, and electronics.
- Small Business and Commercial Upgrades: The Direct Install and Energy Solutions programs offer financial aid for energy efficiency improvements.
- Multifamily Solutions: Supports efficiency upgrades for multifamily buildings, including whole-building retrofits.
- Building Decarbonization Program: Provides incentives for electrifying heating, water heating, and cooking equipment.
As part of its efforts, JCP&L will also enhance a behavior-focused program that provides customers with tailored energy usage insights, tips, and analytics, delivered digitally and by mail.
To help offset upfront costs, JCP&L is offering zero-interest financing for qualifying energy efficiency and building decarbonization projects across residential, multifamily, and commercial sectors. Customers can apply for loans to fund major appliance and HVAC upgrades, home retrofits, and more comprehensive energy solutions.
Despite the incremental hikes, JCP&L emphasizes that its residential rates remain the lowest among New Jersey’s four major regulated electric providers.
