New Jersey considers charging richer residents more for electricity

New Jersey is working to make electric bills fairer for its residents. Recently, the state's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) reviewed a report that recommends several changes to support low-income households. This comes as residents prepare for increased electric bills starting in June 2025. The report from the Brattle Group includes ideas to expand existing assistance programs. Currently, the Universal Service Fund helps low-income households by ensuring they pay only a small portion of their incomes for electricity. However, only about 20% of eligible households are currently enrolled in this program. BPU officials aim to increase participation by expanding auto-enrollment for those on food assistance. One recommendation suggests changing rates based on income. This would mean charging wealthier residents more for their electricity. However, some lawmakers, like Republican Senator Anthony Bucco, oppose this idea. Bucco believes it would not help overall costs and argues for increasing electricity production instead. As the state considers these options, no official decisions have been made yet. The BPU can discuss these recommendations in future meetings. The focus remains on finding ways to help those in need without raising costs for everyone.