New Jersey Energy Resources

New Jersey relies heavily on natural gas, nuclear power, and an increasing share of renewable energy. Major sources include:

• Natural Gas: A primary fuel for heating and electricity generation.

• Nuclear Power: The Oyster Creek and Hope Creek nuclear plants provide significant power to the state.

• Solar and Wind: New Jersey has a fast-growing solar sector with solar incentives and wind farms planned along the coastline as part of the state’s renewable energy goals.

Deregulation in New Jersey allows consumers to choose their energy supplier while the local utility (like PSE&G, Jersey Central Power & Light, or Atlantic City Electric) still handles delivery. You can choose from various Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) such as:

• Constellation: Offers fixed-rate and renewable energy plans.

• Direct Energy: Known for its competitive rates and variety of plan options.

• Just Energy: Provides green energy plans, including solar and wind energy.

• Great American Gas & Electric: Specializes in natural gas and electricity plans tailored to New Jersey customers.

By switching, you may find lower rates, flexible contract terms, or renewable energy plans that meet your specific needs.

• ESCOs in New Jersey, such as IDT Energy and Energy Harbor, provide competitive alternatives to your default utility supply rates. By shopping around, you can:

  • Lock in a lower fixed rate for electricity or natural gas.

  • Choose renewable energy sources, like solar or wind, to reduce your carbon footprint.

  • Take advantage of no-deposit plans or short-term contracts to keep your energy costs flexible.

New Jersey offers several energy efficiency programs designed to help homeowners and businesses reduce energy consumption and costs. These include:

• Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®: Offers incentives for comprehensive home energy upgrades.

• PSE&G Residential Energy Efficiency Programs: Provides rebates on energy-efficient appliances, heating, and cooling systems.

• New Jersey Clean Energy Program (NJCEP): Offers rebates for high-efficiency lighting, insulation, HVAC systems, and energy assessments.

Check with your local utility or visit the NJCEP website to explore rebate programs and services that help improve energy efficiency.

The NJCEP is a statewide initiative designed to reduce energy use and promote the adoption of renewable energy. Through this program, residents and businesses can access:

• Solar panel installation rebates.

• Energy efficiency incentives for homes and businesses.

• Support for purchasing energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems.

• Energy storage incentives and future plans to support wind and offshore wind farms.

New Jersey offers several renewable energy incentives to encourage homeowners and businesses to adopt clean energy solutions:

• Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): Homeowners with solar panels can earn SRECs by producing solar power, which can be sold to utilities to meet the state's renewable energy requirements.

• New Jersey Solar Investment Program (SIP): Offers financial incentives for solar installations on homes, businesses, and community properties.

• Community Solar Pilot Program: Allows residents, including renters, to benefit from solar power without needing rooftop panels, contributing to cleaner energy and lowering electricity bills.

Choosing the best energy provider in New Jersey requires comparing several factors, including:

• Rates: Compare fixed vs. variable rates and the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

• Contract Length: Look for flexible month-to-month options or longer contracts with price guarantees.

• Renewable Energy Plans: Providers like Green Mountain Energy and Viridian Energy offer 100% renewable electricity options.

• Customer Reviews: Check the experiences of other customers through the Better Business Bureau or NJ Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for any complaints.

• Incentives: Look for introductory offers, cashback rebates, or no-deposit plans that align with your financial needs.

New Jersey leads the nation in clean energy initiatives, with goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 under its Global Warming Response Act. Other programs include:

• The New Jersey Energy Master Plan, which prioritizes energy efficiency, renewable energy, and grid modernization.

• Utility-run demand response programs that incentivize reduced electricity use during peak hours.

• NJ Transit’s electrification plan, focused on transitioning to electric buses and rail systems for sustainable public transportation.

Community Solar allows New Jersey residents to participate in solar energy production without needing to install panels on their property. Key benefits include:

• Subscription to solar farms: Homeowners, renters, and businesses can subscribe to local solar farms and receive bill credits based on the energy produced.

• Savings on electricity: Community Solar subscribers typically see reduced monthly electricity costs.

• Accessible renewable energy: Community Solar is ideal for those who cannot install rooftop panels due to shading, roof conditions, or housing status (renters).

Programs like the New Jersey Community Solar Energy Pilot Program make solar power more accessible across the state.

In the event of a power outage in New Jersey, follow these steps:

• Report the outage: Contact your utility provider (PSE&G, Atlantic City Electric, or JCP&L) to report the issue and receive restoration updates.

• Stay safe: Avoid downed power lines and report them to your local utility immediately.

• Backup power: Consider investing in a generator or a Tesla Powerwall for solar energy storage to provide backup power during extended outages.

• Emergency Preparedness: Sign up for text or email alerts from your utility provider to stay informed about outage restoration.