Utility customers start receiving higher bills as rate hikes go into effect
Statewide, every utility has been charging more for power since June.
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Higher electric rates around New Jersey are harder to deal with on a hot, muggy day when the power goes out.
That ’s what happened to PSE&G customers in East Orange on Monday morning who lost their electricity at around 7:45 a.m.
The utility says the power was restored to those 570 customers by noon.
Statewide, every utility has been charging more for power since June.
RELATED: PSE&G offers customers tips and assistance to save money during the summer
Like all of the utilities statewide, PSE&G has warned customers to expect a rise of at least $27 for an average bill. The utility sent out notices saying that "An increase in energy demand combined with the need for new power generation has driven higher supply prices.”
Adrian Do Campo, of Scotch Plains, doesn’t turn off the air conditioning, but he’d like to, considering his rate has gone up. He got a bill of $324 that he has to pay on the 15th of the month.
He says his bill has gone up about $50, which has him watching the thermostat and cutting back where he can.
“Definitely at night it’s off and we only run it upstairs. We try our best because I know I’m going to get hit in the pocket,” said Do Campo.
PSE&G is trying to help anyone struggling to keep up with their bill.
The utility has been aggressive in targeting the 100,000 customers who are eligible for help with bills but are not taking advantage of programs designed to help.
