The Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act (EDECA) enables you, as a residential energy customer in New Jersey to shop for electric and natural gas supplies. 

Your energy invoice separates the supply portion from the delivery portion of your bill. Your electric service includes three primary components, the Generation or production of electricity, the Transmission or movement of electricity from the source to a point of distribution, and Distribution, the delivery of the power to your home.

When you shop for an electric supplier, you are selecting a company that is responsible for the electricity generation portion of your bill.

• Generation: The production of electricity.
• Transmission: The movement of electricity from where it is generated to the point of distribution.
• Distribution: The delivery of electricity to your home or business.

With the supply portion of your bill open to competition, you now have the option to compare prices from “third-party suppliers” against what your utility charges you for kilowatt-hours or therms.

By comparing suppliers, you now have the opportunity to select a supplier based upon your own criteria. Whether you wish to choose the least expensive supplier or the supplier who uses the most renewable energy is up to you.

Regardless of your selection of supplier, your local electric or natural gas distribution companies still deliver the supplies through wires or pipes – and respond to emergencies.  Your service will be the same. The only thing that is different is that the energy supply is now purchased through a different company
Purchasing your energy supplies from a company other than your electric or gas utility is purely an economic decision; it has no impact on the reliability or safety of your service

Where it may become confusing is that the invoice for your power may still come from your current utility, and the distribution will still be handled by your utility.  The part that you are ‘switching’ has to do with energy generation that is brought to your utility.

Tips to Save Energy

 

1. Beat the heat and save on bills. Keeping your blinds and curtains closed during the day will block out unwanted heat, meaning your air conditioner works less and saves energy. Energy Star appliances can reduce overall energy use and costs by up to 30%.
   
2. Cook wisely. Instead of using the oven or stovetop, in the summer you can save on cooling your house by reducing the heat in your hoom. Cook outside as much as possible. Not only does this keep your home from overheating, it prevents your air conditioner from working overtime!
   
3. Mind the temperature. Use less hot water and/or decrease the temperature of your hot water for showers, washing machine, and dishwasher – only run machines that have full loads. Also, adjust the thermostat to 76-78 degrees to keep cool and avoid high electric bills.
   
   
4. Maintain the appliances you have. Get your appliances checked for energy efficiency annually and change your air filters regularly. Replace old appliances, including room air conditioners, with energy efficient options. This will help to ensure that your home is running as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
   
   
5. Recycle your old stuff. Access one of New Jersey’s many appliance recycling centers to get rid of old, energy-sapping appliances (refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner, oven, etc.) and replace them with more efficient models.

 

For American Red Cross Heat Wave Safety Information, please see the Red Cross Safety Checklist 

 

Shopping for Third Party Energy Suppliers

 

New Jersey residents can shop for the lowest price with third-party suppliers. Local electric or natural gas distribution companies still deliver the supplies through wires or pipes – and respond to emergencies – but the supplies themselves are purchased from other companies.

 

Purchasing your energy supplies from a company other than your electric or gas utility is purely an economic decision; it has no impact on the reliability or safety of your service…Who Should Shop?

New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program’s™ Rebates & Incentives

New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities and its Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) promote increased energy efficiency and the use of clean, renewable sources of energy. The results for New Jersey are a stronger economy, less pollution, lower costs, and reduced demand for electricity. NJCEP offers financial incentives, programs, and services for residential, commercial, and municipal customers.