SOME Americans can save $60 on utilities automatically this summer, thanks to a new initiative.
The savings come amid skyrocketing prices for energy bills at homes and apartments nationwide.
Energy bills for some Americans will be cut by at least $60 this summer (stock image)[/caption]
Costs are skyrocketing over the coming months[/caption]
A recent report from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) confirmed that this summer will mark the highest average cost in 12 years.
From June to September, it’s expected to be $784, a 6.2% increase from the $737 average in 2024, or 4.2% considering inflation.
For perspective, only 10 years ago, in 2015, average energy bills during the same four-month period was $497.
NEADA cited climate change and inflationary pressures as reasonings behind the uptick.
Some states, like New Jersey, are preparing to help residents as much as they can through some cost cuts, per the New Jersey Monitor.
Earlier this month, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved several measures, including a total deferment of $60 from electricity bills over the summer season.
Additionally, it extended a $175 credit to low-income residents.
CONTINUED EFFORTS
Other benefits for those select residents include waived reconnection fees, and extended winter shutoff protections through July, August, and September.
That means that utilities would not get shut off for certain residents if they are unable to afford to make payments.
Commissioner of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Zenon Christodoulou, emphasized that it was collaboration with local utility companies that made the cash back possible for residents.
“Sometimes, we don’t have the opportunity to thank our utilities enough — they really stepped up to the plate very quickly,” Christodoulou said in a statement to the New Jersey Monitor.
“It wasn’t their doing, that these prices went up, but they really are taking a lot of the brunt of this and we really appreciate their efforts.”
“They came to us and they came up with plans as quickly as we could imagine,” he added.
Thanks to the deferred bill program, at least $30 will be cut from monthly bills for all ratepayers between July and August, a peak for electricity usage.
Summer Protections by State
In 2025, just 17 states and Washington DC offer Americans protections from having their electricity shut off if they are behind on utility payments:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Washington DC
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nevada
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Texas
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Source: NEADA
Customers would repay those balances anyways over the following six months due to interest and carrying costs.
“No customer will pay a penny more as a result of this, and all customers will benefit by having their typically high summer bills eased somewhat as part of this proposal,” New Jersey Board of Public Utlities executive director Bob Brabston emphasized.
Under the deferred bill program, Linda’s Law would also be in effect, meaning that utility companies must wait at least 90 days to discontinue services after nonpayment for those who need life-sustaining medical equipment.
STATE IMPACT
Some states will also have higher energy bill costs this summer than others.
Those who live on Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas will pay an average bill over the June to September period of $996, according to NEADA.
For the New England area with Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, averages are around $992.
Low-income households also face the brunt of the increases as energy bill costs currently account for about 8.6% of their income, around three times the rate for Americans in other tax brackets.
Moreover, the number of households that could not afford electricity for at least a month jumped to 36.8% in 2024, per data from the Census Household Pulse Survey.
Americans should also remain aware of other ways to save on energy bills.
A simple switch noted by a utilities expert could results in at least a 30% discount on energy bills ever month while keeping a living space cool in the summer.
At least $83 could also be saved on the costs through a “weather strip” trick that works during any season.
