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NJ Electric Bills Are Rising Again — What Homeowners Can Do in 2026

NJ Electric Bills Are Rising Again — What Homeowners Can Do in 2026

updated
2/15/2026
As reported by WHYY, NJ Monthly, and NJBIZ.

If your electric bill feels higher than it used to, you’re not imagining it.

Rising electricity costs in New Jersey have become significant enough that they’re now making headlines — and drawing attention from state leadership.

According to reporting by WHYY, Governor Mikie Sherrill has described the situation as an electricity affordability emergency,” directing regulators to explore options like rate pauses and bill credits in response to rising utility costs.

At the same time, coverage in New Jersey Monthly highlights growing frustration among residents who have seen noticeable increases on their bills — in some cases reporting double-digit percentage jumps that hit household budgets unexpectedly.

Business reporting in NJBIZ explains that executive orders have been signed to address sharp cost increases, officially declaring a utility cost emergency and empowering regulators to act.

When policymakers are calling something an affordability emergency, it’s a sign that homeowners aren’t overreacting.

Bills really are rising.

Concerned About Your Electric Bill?

If your recent bill surprised you, you’re not alone. Many NJ homeowners are seeing noticeable increases — and wondering what comes next.

👉 Schedule a quick 10-minute solar savings review

📞 Or call (844) 734-6610

Why Electric Costs in NJ Keep Climbing

New Jersey already ranks among the higher-cost states for electricity. Several factors contribute:

  • Regional wholesale energy market volatility
  • Capacity pricing in PJM markets
  • Infrastructure and grid upgrade costs
  • Increased demand
  • Inflationary pressure across utilities

Even moderate percentage increases can translate into meaningful monthly changes. And the difficult part for homeowners?

You don’t control the rate.

You can reduce usage.

You can adjust thermostats.

You can turn lights off.

But you cannot negotiate utility pricing.

The Bigger Issue: Long-Term Exposure

The real concern isn’t just this month’s bill.

It’s what happens if this pattern continues.

If rates have risen sharply in recent years — and state leaders are now scrambling to stabilize them — what does that mean for the next 5 or 10 years?

Electricity isn’t optional. Homes depend on it for:

  • Heating and cooling
  • Refrigeration
  • Appliances
  • Work-from-home setups
  • EV charging
  • Everyday life

The question many NJ homeowners are now asking is:

How do I reduce my exposure to rising utility costs?

The Three Choices Homeowners Have

When electricity prices rise, homeowners generally face three options:

  1. Absorb the increases
  2. Try to reduce consumption
  3. Produce more of their own power

More New Jersey homeowners are exploring the third option.

Solar as a Hedge Against Rising Utility Rates

Solar isn’t about reacting to headlines.

It’s about controlling part of your energy cost.

When a solar system is properly designed for your home:

  • You generate your own electricity during daylight hours
  • You reduce the amount you purchase from the grid
  • You receive bill credits under NJ net metering rules
  • You lower your long-term exposure to rate hikes

This doesn’t eliminate your utility relationship.

It reduces how dependent you are on it.

Instead of riding every rate adjustment, you create more stability in your monthly energy costs.

What Could This Look Like for Your Home?

Every roof and utility territory is different. We’ll review your current bill and show you what portion solar could realistically offset.

👉 Book Your Free Review

📞 (844) 734-6610

This Isn’t About Politics — It’s About Control

State officials are working on affordability measures.

But even when action is taken, policy solutions move slowly.

Your electric bill doesn’t wait.

Solar gives homeowners something valuable during uncertain rate cycles: predictability.

For many families, that stability matters just as much as savings.

Is Solar Still Viable in 2026?

Yes — but the conversation has shifted.

It’s no longer primarily about federal incentives.

In New Jersey, solar viability today is supported by:

  • Net metering bill credits
  • State performance programs for eligible systems
  • Sales tax exemptions on solar equipment
  • Property tax treatment for renewable systems

Eligibility varies by home, system size, and utility territory — which is why estimates must be personalized.

The key takeaway:

Solar in New Jersey is still viable — especially for homeowners looking to reduce long-term exposure to rising electric rates.

The Question That Matters Most

Instead of asking:

“Are there incentives?”

A smarter question in 2026 might be:

What happens to my electric bill over the next 10 years if I do nothing?

If rates rise gradually — even modestly — the cumulative impact can be significant.

Waiting has a cost too.

Let’s Review Your Home

If rising NJ electric bills are on your radar, the next step is simple:

We’ll review:
• Your current utility costs
• What a properly sized system might offset
• Ownership vs financing options
• What applies in your utility territory

👉 Schedule Your Free Solar Review

📞 Or call (844) 734-6610.

No pressure. Just numbers.

Final Thought

Utility rate discussions may happen in Trenton.

But your electric bill shows up at your house.

The real decision is whether you want to continue relying entirely on utility pricing — or explore ways to take partial control of your energy future.

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