PSE&G Launches Summer Relief Program to Support Electric Customers
PSE&G has unveiled a proactive Summer Relief Initiative aimed at helping eligible residential electric customers avoid service disconnection. At the same time, the utility is seeking approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to ease the financial burden on customers facing higher summer electricity bills. This initiative comes in response to a substantial increase in electric supply prices beginning June 1, driven by PJM’s capacity auction.
Key Components of the Summer Relief Initiative Include:
Summer Moratorium: Expanding on the existing Winter Termination Program, this moratorium will begin July 1, 2025, and extend through September 30, 2025. It offers protection from service shut-offs for low-income and other qualifying customers during the hottest months of the year. Waiver of Reconnection Fees: Customers who require service restoration will not be charged reconnection fees during this relief period. PSE&G has unveiled a proactive Summer Relief Initiative aimed at helping eligible residential electric customers avoid service disconnection. At the same time, the utility is seeking approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to ease the financial burden on customers facing higher summer electricity bills. This initiative comes in response to a substantial increase in electric supply prices beginning June 1, driven by PJM’s capacity auction.
Key Components of the Summer Relief Initiative Include:
These efforts are part of a proposal recently submitted to the BPU to delay the impact of the June 1 price hike for residential customers. The initial filing was made on May 7, with additional measures added on May 15, currently pending regulatory review.
Kim Hanemann, PSE&G’s President and COO, emphasized that while the utility is not responsible for the 17% rate hike, it remains committed to helping customers through supportive actions. “New Jersey faces a growing gap between energy supply and demand,” she said. “These steps are meant to provide much-needed relief to households and communities, especially as energy use surges during summer.”
While PSE&G continues paying suppliers the full cost under the new rates, the proposed deferral aims to shield consumers temporarily from increased bills. The utility remains proud of its customer satisfaction record, consistent affordability, and award-winning reliability. In fact, when adjusted for inflation, the combined electric and gas bills are roughly in line with what they were in 2008.
Clarifying Summer Bill Increases
It’s crucial to distinguish between rising electricity rates and higher summer consumption. Hot weather naturally drives up usage, especially from air conditioning. For instance, cooling a home to 75°F when it’s 90°F outside requires 125% more energy than when it's 85°F. Customers are encouraged to monitor and manage their usage through energy-saving tips available at pseg.com/energyefficiency and bizsave.pseg.com.
Looking Ahead: Need for Long-Term Energy Solutions
PSE&G has long cautioned about regional imbalances between electricity supply and demand. The company continues to advocate for forward-thinking energy policies that promote the development of new generation resources in New Jersey.
Customer Support Programs
To support customers in need, PSE&G partners with nonprofit and community groups to promote available assistance programs. Depending on income and other criteria, customers may qualify for support such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or SHARES, designed for those facing short-term financial difficulties.
Additionally, PSE&G offers tools to help manage energy costs:
Equal Payment Plan: Spreads estimated annual costs over 12 equal payments for predictable monthly billing. Deferred Payment Arrangements: Allows eligible customers to pay down past-due balances over time. Kim Hanemann, PSE&G’s President and COO, emphasized that while the utility is not responsible for the 17% rate hike, it remains committed to helping customers through supportive actions. “New Jersey faces a growing gap between energy supply and demand,” she said. “These steps are meant to provide much-needed relief to households and communities, especially as energy use surges during summer.”
While PSE&G continues paying suppliers the full cost under the new rates, the proposed deferral aims to shield consumers temporarily from increased bills. The utility remains proud of its customer satisfaction record, consistent affordability, and award-winning reliability. In fact, when adjusted for inflation, the combined electric and gas bills are roughly in line with what they were in 2008.
Clarifying Summer Bill Increases
It’s crucial to distinguish between rising electricity rates and higher summer consumption. Hot weather naturally drives up usage, especially from air conditioning. For instance, cooling a home to 75°F when it’s 90°F outside requires 125% more energy than when it's 85°F. Customers are encouraged to monitor and manage their usage through energy-saving tips available at pseg.com/energyefficiency and bizsave.pseg.com.
Looking Ahead: Need for Long-Term Energy Solutions
PSE&G has long cautioned about regional imbalances between electricity supply and demand. The company continues to advocate for forward-thinking energy policies that promote the development of new generation resources in New Jersey.
Customer Support Programs
To support customers in need, PSE&G partners with nonprofit and community groups to promote available assistance programs. Depending on income and other criteria, customers may qualify for support such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or SHARES, designed for those facing short-term financial difficulties.
Additionally, PSE&G offers tools to help manage energy costs:
Customers can click here to gain more insight into valuable energy assistances.