Understanding Energy Costs
Every year, New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) invests millions of dollars in our underground pipelines and across our business to ensure our system operates safely, reliably and in a matter consistent with our commitment to environmental sustainability — for you, our customers.NJNG recently filed with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) a request to increase our base rates, reflecting the costs of these investments made in our system over the past three years. Because NJNG and other utilities in the state are regulated by the BPU, we must periodically go before them to open our books and justify our investments so they can ensure any rate increase is prudent and reasonable before it goes into effect.
In the three years since NJNG’s last base rate increase, we have made investments of nearly $850 million, which include the costs to retire and replace pre-1970s aging pipes, make improvements to our infrastructure and operate efficiently. These investments allow us to better serve you with the energy you need to heat your home or operate your business, especially on the coldest days of the year.
The filing with the BPU seeks to adjust our base rates to recover on these costs, which are not included in the rates you pay today.
Currently, there is no immediate impact to the rates you pay for natural gas service. This filing is the beginning of a months-long review process by the BPU. During this time, the BPU requires us to account for and justify every dollar we seek to recover on our investments to ensure its final decision is fair and reasonable for our customers. This process typically takes between 9 and 12 months. We will communicate the BPU’s final decision and any impact to your bills before new rates go into effect.
- Changes in seasons and weather: Natural gas usage typically increases during the colder months when you use it more frequently to heat your home and keep your business running.
- Outdated or inefficient appliances: Older, less-efficient heating and other natural gas equipment work harder and use more energy to produce the same amount of heat.
- 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 extra laundry and increased shower use.
- Drafts in your home: Insufficient insulation and seal up can mean heated air is escaping through such places as your attic, vents, gaps around outlets and fixtures, etc. — causing your natural gas equipment to work harder.
Understanding how you use natural gas is a major step to helping you save energy and money. By paying attention to such things as lifestyle, habits, behavior and your home’s efficiency, you can make more informed decisions about your energy consumption and help lower your natural gas bills.
Take control of your natural gas usage and save on your energy bills with these energy-saving tips.
Easily adjust and track your natural gas consumption during colder temperatures to make smarter energy decisions. To compare and track your energy usage, log in to My Account at njng.com and click on the Usage tab.
Resources to Help Manage Your Natural Gas Bill
Energy assistance grants are available for varying income levels. For example, a family of four with a household income of $141,384 may be eligible. Plus, you may be eligible for more than one program. In addition, NJNG’s Gift of Warmth provides an annual grant of up to $500 to help households experiencing unanticipated financial hardship continue (or reconnect) their natural gas service.
Click here to learn more, for eligibility requirements and to apply. Terms and conditions apply.
If you have an outstanding balance, you may qualify for a non-interest payment arrangement to help bring your account current. Contact us via Live Chat at njng.com or 800-221-0051 to enroll. Terms and conditions apply.
Your energy bills vary month to month and seasonally. NJNG’s Equal Pay helps even out the fluctuations of your bill due to winter weather by spreading your estimated annual natural gas costs over 12 months. With this equal payment plan, you can anticipate the amount of your NJNG bill each month when budgeting household expenses.
Log in to My Account at njng.com to register. Terms and conditions apply.
Take the first step to making your home more energy-efficient and lower your energy bills with a no-cost Quick Home Energy Checkup (QHEC)* from NJNG’s SAVEGREENTM energy-efficiency program. Our certified auditor will assess your home to find out where heated or cooled air is escaping and provide recommendations that best meet your needs and budget. To learn more and schedule your QHEC, visit savegreen.com.
*Terms and conditions apply. Only available to NJNG customers through June 30, 2024. NJNG makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, regarding energy savings measures or the energy analysis services, or as to the completeness or amount of energy savings resulting from an audit/analysis. Estimates of energy savings are generalized, and no particular amount of energy savings is promised or guaranteed. This offer does not apply to new construction.
New Jersey’s Comfort Partners Program* provides energy-saving measures and energy education for limited-income NJNG customers. Qualifying households receive a no-cost home energy assessment and energy improvements including insulation, weather stripping, efficient lighting and more. For additional information and eligibility requirements, go to njng.com/energyassistance.
For moderate-income customers, SAVEGREEN’s weatherization program starts with a no-cost** home energy assessment and, based on the results, eligible customers may receive up to $6,000** in free weatherization measures. Learn about eligibility criteria and program information at njngsavegreen.com.
*Terms and conditions apply. This program is independent of NJNG.
***Terms and conditions apply. You must be a NJNG residential customer whose primary residence is a single- or in a multi-family dwelling with up to three units. You must own your home for a minimum of one year. Homes 0-5 years old or under a builder’s warranty are excluded. If you’re a renter, the home must be located in an approved census tract and obtain consent from your landlord. Both renters and homeowners must meet the income guidelines. Visit njngsavegreen.com for more information.