Understanding Energy Costs
Natural Gas: Still the Lowest Cost Energy SourceWe Can Help You Manage your Energy Bills
Rising energy costs combined with other factors are impacting energy costs and household budgets. You can take steps to help reduce your energy usage and costs. Learn how below.
If you have any questions, we can be reached at 800-221-0051.
At the same time, NJNG received approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) in November 2021 for a base rate increase — our first since 2019 — which affects the Delivery Charge portion of your bill. This rate change resulted from the more than $800 million in investments we made to operate and strengthen the safety, reliability and sustainability of the system we use to deliver the heat energy you depend on to keep your homes warm and businesses running. Current rates can be found here.
And all this was before international events began to cause major disruptions to global energy markets.
If you receive your natural gas from a third-party supplier, confirm the rate at which you are being billed. You can find the NJNG rate of comparison here. The other component of your bill is the Delivery Charge, or the rate approved by the BPU for NJNG to operate our system safely and reliably.
Natural gas is approximately 50% to 70% less expensive than other energy sources. And the typical NJNG customer bill is nearly 20% lower today than it was in 2008.
*Source: Cost per 100,000 Btus. Oil and propane comparison prices: https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_pri_wfr_dcus_SNJ_w.htm. February 21, 2022
Electric comparison price: https://firstenergycorp.com/content/dam/customer/Customer%20Choice/Files/New%20Jersey/PriceToCompare.pdf March 1, 2022
The price per a British Thermal Unit (Btu), the measure of your natural gas usage, and Delivery Charge can be found in the Bill Calculation box on your NJNG bill. You also can check out our video on How to Read Your Bill.
Higher natural gas bills are determined by market conditions and other factors, such as these below:
Seasonal changes — Natural gas usage typically increases during the colder months when you use it more frequently to warm your home and keep your businesses running and heat your water, impacting your bill amount.
Living habit changes — Whether you have a child home from college or are hosting guests, keeping them comfortable during their stay may mean turning up the heat, cooking more meals, doing more laundry and increased use of the shower.
Outdated appliances — Older, less efficient heating and other natural gas equipment work harder and use more energy to produce the same amount of heat, resulting in higher energy bills.
Loss of heat — Insufficient insulation and seal up can mean energy is escaping through your attic, vents and older appliances, causing your natural gas equipment to work harder.
Below you’ll find resources to help you save energy and money, and help lower your energy bills.
NJNG Budget Plan: Our budget plan helps you anticipate the amount of your monthly NJNG bill when budgeting household expenses by spreading out your natural gas costs over 12 months. Sign into My Account to register. Terms and conditions apply.
Energy Assistance Grants: Increased income guidelines have made assistance available for more customers than ever, including families of four making up to $128,786. If you are falling behind on your energy bills, you may qualify for energy assistance. Click here to learn more and apply. Terms and conditions apply.
Payment Arrangement: If you have an outstanding balance, you may qualify for a non-interest payment arrangement to help bring your account current. Sign into My Account or call 800-221-0051 (and say "payment arrangement" at the prompt) to get started. Terms and conditions apply.
Energy-efficiency Incentives: Poor insulation or inefficient equipment performance can contribute to higher energy bills. NJNG’s The SAVEGREEN Project® can perform a free Quick Home Energy Check Up (QHEC) to identify where heat is escaping and energy-saving opportunities in your home. Plus, rebates and incentives, including a 0% APR On-Bill Repayment Program, are available to help make home energy improvements affordable. Visit SAVEGREEN to schedule your QHEC and learn more. Terms and conditions apply.