New Jersey seniors facing sticker shock from their June electricity bills can expect some relief this summer. The state’s Board of Public Utilities unanimously approved several measures Wednesday to help residents cope with electricity rates that jumped roughly 20% at the start of June.
Immediate Summer Relief
All New Jersey electric customers will see $30 deducted from their July and August bills – the months when air conditioning drives usage to its peak. This $60 total won’t cost customers extra; you’ll simply repay the deferred amount over six months starting in September, with no interest or fees added.
Extra Help for Low-Income Residents
Seniors enrolled in assistance programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will receive additional support. Starting in August, eligible households will get seven monthly credits of $25 each – totaling $175 in extra help through February 2026.
The state is also expanding its Universal Service Fund, which provides monthly bill credits to low- and moderate-income households. Beginning in October, the minimum monthly credit increases from $5 to $20, while the maximum rises from $180 to $200.
Extended Protections
Importantly, winter shutoff protections now extend through the summer months of July, August, and September. Seniors who use electrically powered medical equipment are already protected under Linda’s Law, which requires utilities to wait 90 days before disconnecting service for non-payment.
State officials acknowledge these measures don’t solve the underlying supply shortage driving up costs, but they provide crucial breathing room during the hottest – and most expensive – months of the year.