Atlantic City Electric customers in New Jersey may notice a few changes on their bills soon.
The utility expects the combined increases and decreases to leave the average customer with a net change of about $1 a month.
Here's what to know
October bills will reflect four main adjustments, Downbeach reported. Atlantic City Electric said distribution charges should drop by $9, while electricity supply costs are expected to rise by $7, transmission charges by $2, and surcharges by $1.
Roughly $5 of that $9 drop comes from lower seasonal distribution rates that take hold with October bills, while the rest comes from a cut to the Conservation Incentive Program rate.
The $7 supply increase follows the calendar, since supply costs already approved are higher in winter than in summer. The company said it buys that electricity for customers through PJM, the regional organization that oversees wholesale electricity prices. It added that it doesn't generate power or set those prices and passes them along at cost.
Most of the $1 surcharge increase comes from higher spending on New Jersey programs that encourage energy efficiency and clean energy. The company said those programs are meant to help customers use less energy and lower their costs over time.
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In its statement, Atlantic City Electric wrote: "We understand that every dollar matters to the families and businesses we serve. That's why we have always been transparent about how bills are impacted and how they may be changing."
More background
Customer frustration has been mounting for roughly a year, with some customers saying their bills doubled or tripled.
Per Downbeach, a federal audit found Atlantic City Electric overcharged transmission customers, handled settlement payments incorrectly, and misread a federal tax law.
The company said it was reviewing the findings and later announced a two-cent-a-month reduction for customers.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew quipped, "The only thing worth two cents is Atlantic City Electric's response."
Where can I learn more?
The company also directs customers to its bill support page for help paying their bills and tips on using less energy.
For more on what's driving electricity costs in New Jersey and beyond, these articles add context.
• In New Jersey, lawmakers have targeted utility profits and grid projects to lower power bills.
• Also in the Garden State, public advocacy groups have pushed back on proposed nuclear reactors.
• Across the grid, utilities have drawn scrutiny for how they spend electricity-bill money on transmission lines.
• In the West South Central region, cryptocurrency mining facilities pushed electricity demand and prices higher.
• In Washington, regulators faced warnings that a new policy could raise Americans' electricity bills.
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