In July 2026, homes in New Jersey paid an average of 25.19¢ per kWh, the 10th most expensive of the 50 states and DC and 37.6% above the U.S. average of 18.31¢.
That price is roughly flat compared with a year earlier (down 0.5%).
Over the past 12 months the average home in New Jersey used 664 kWh a month, for an average bill of $158 (U.S.: $157).
About electricity in New Jersey
Nearly all of New Jersey's in-state electricity comes from natural gas and nuclear power in roughly equal shares, and the state imports part of what it uses. Households can choose a retail electricity supplier.
- natural gas 49%
- nuclear 46%
- solar 3%
- other 2%
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities is the state agency that regulates electric utilities in New Jersey.
What drives electricity prices in New Jersey
New Jersey makes most of its electricity from natural gas and nuclear power in nearly equal amounts, and buys the rest over PJM, the regional grid that sets wholesale prices across all or part of thirteen states and DC. Prices are well above the national average.
Homes that do not pick a supplier get Basic Generation Service, whose price is set by an auction every February and changes each June. In June 2025 bills rose by roughly a sixth to a fifth, depending on the utility, and the state regulator named PJM's record capacity prices as the main reason. Capacity prices have stayed high in the auctions since.
Bills also carry state charges that fund energy-efficiency, clean-energy and assistance programs. Households can choose a retail supplier, though the local utility still delivers the power. New Jersey homes use less electricity than most, which keeps bills closer to average than the price suggests.
Average electric bill in New Jersey
Over the last 12 months the average New Jersey home paid $158 a month for electricity, the 23rd highest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 the average bill was $261 for 1,036 kWh.
Over the last 12 months, homes in New Jersey used the most electricity in July, when air conditioning drives usage up: an average of 1,036 kWh and a $261 bill. The lightest month was April, at 469 kWh and $110.
What would I pay?
| Monthly use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh × 25.19¢typical | $125.95 | $1,511 |
| 1,000 kWh × 25.19¢ | $251.90 | $3,023 |
| 1,500 kWh × 25.19¢ | $377.85 | $4,534 |
| 2,000 kWh × 25.19¢ | $503.80 | $6,046 |
Estimate your own bill
Cost of electricity in New Jersey by month
Businesses in New Jersey paid 19.17¢ per kWh in July 2026 (the 12th most expensive for business power), and industrial users paid 15.63¢. See business electricity rates in New Jersey.
Electric companies in New Jersey
5 utilities deliver electricity to homes in New Jersey. The largest is Public Service Elec & Gas Co, serving 2,072,339 homes.
| Utility | Homes served | Avg. home rate |
|---|---|---|
| Public Service Elec & Gas Co | 2,072,339 | 25.03¢ |
| Jersey Central Power & Lt Co | 1,047,687 | 18.39¢ |
| Atlantic City Electric Co | 509,015 | 25.84¢ |
| Rockland Electric Co | 66,678 | 23.24¢ |
| City of Vineland | 22,866 | 18.55¢ |
"Avg. home rate" is what each utility's full-service residential customers paid on average in 2025 (revenue ÷ kWh sold). Delivery-only utilities have no full-service rate.
Can you choose your electricity supplier in New Jersey?
Yes. Households in New Jersey can buy electricity from a licensed retail supplier instead of their utility; the utility still delivers the power and handles outages.
Compare current offers on the official state site: NJ Board of Public Utilities energy shopping.
Largest retail suppliers in New Jersey by residential customers (2025):
- IDT Energy, Inc. (42,845 homes)
- SmartEnergy Holdings, LLC (33,223 homes)
- Reliant Energy Northeast LLC (20,329 homes)
- Inspire Energy Holdings, LLC (17,586 homes)
- Palmco Power NJ, LLC (11,809 homes)
Listed by size only, as reported to EIA. This is not a recommendation.
New Jersey compared with neighboring states
| State | Price per kWh | Avg. monthly bill (12 mo.) |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 18.48¢ | $165 |
| Pennsylvania | 21.72¢ | $174 |
| New Jersey | 25.19¢ | $158 |
| New York | 29.90¢ | $167 |
New Jersey electricity FAQ
What is the average electric bill in New Jersey?
The average home in New Jersey paid $158 a month over the last 12 months, using 664 kWh. That is the 23rd highest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 alone, the average bill was $261.
How much does electricity cost per kWh in New Jersey?
Homes paid an average of 25.19¢ per kWh in July 2026, 37.6% above the U.S. average of 18.31¢. Businesses paid 19.17¢ per kWh.
Which month has the highest electric bills in New Jersey?
July, in the last 12 months of data: the average bill reached $261 (1,036 kWh), compared with $110 in April, the lowest month.
Can I choose my electricity provider in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey lets households buy electricity from a retail supplier, while the local utility still delivers it. Compare offers on NJ Board of Public Utilities energy shopping, the official state site.
What are the largest electric companies in New Jersey?
By number of residential customers in 2025: Public Service Elec & Gas Co (2,072,339), Jersey Central Power & Lt Co (1,047,687), Atlantic City Electric Co (509,015).
Latest NJ electric rates, bills and usage: U.S. Energy Information Administration retail sales data (forms EIA-861M and EIA-861), latest month July 2026. Utilities and suppliers: EIA-861 (2025). Bills and usage are revenue and sales divided by customers. Last updated 2026-10-20.