Updated with EIA data for August 2026
In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in New Jersey was 24.61¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 36% higher than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes New Jersey the 10th most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices fell 0.4% from August 2025 (24.70¢).
| Year | Avg rate | Avg monthly bill | Avg monthly use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (8 mo) | 24.09¢ | $174 | 722 kWh |
| 2025 | 22.48¢ | $151 | 670 kWh |
| 2024 | 19.34¢ | $128 | 662 kWh |
| 2023 | 17.70¢ | $113 | 639 kWh |
| 2022 | 16.74¢ | $114 | 682 kWh |
| 2021 | 16.35¢ | $112 | 687 kWh |
| 2020 | 16.03¢ | $110 | 683 kWh |
| 2019 | 15.85¢ | $105 | 663 kWh |
| 2018 | 15.41¢ | $106 | 690 kWh |
| 2017 | 15.65¢ | $102 | 654 kWh |
Rates are weighted by kWh sold. Bills and usage are averages per residential customer.
| Sector | Rate | A year earlier |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 24.61¢ | 24.70¢ |
| Commercial | 18.71¢ | 18.52¢ |
| Industrial | 16.24¢ | 15.06¢ |
| Transportation | 12.67¢ | 12.40¢ |
| All sectors | 21.29¢ | 21.01¢ |
At New Jersey's 12-month average residential rate of 23.74¢ per kWh, here is the energy cost for common monthly usage levels, next to the US average. Fixed customer charges, taxes and fees vary by utility and are not included.
| Monthly use | New Jersey | US average |
|---|---|---|
| 250 kWh | $59.35 | $45.40 |
| 500 kWh | $118.70 | $90.80 |
| 750 kWh | $178.05 | $136.20 |
| 1,000 kWh | $237.40 | $181.60 |
| 1,500 kWh | $356.10 | $272.40 |
| 2,000 kWh | $474.80 | $363.20 |
Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 22.49¢ (October 2025) to 25.19¢ (July 2026), and homes used the most electricity in July 2026 (1,036 kWh on average).
| Month | Avg rate | Avg bill | Avg use |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2026 | 24.61¢ | $236 | 960 kWh |
| July 2026 | 25.19¢ | $261 | 1,036 kWh |
| June 2026 | 24.95¢ | $207 | 831 kWh |
| May 2026 | 23.27¢ | $127 | 546 kWh |
| April 2026 | 23.53¢ | $110 | 469 kWh |
| March 2026 | 23.48¢ | $129 | 548 kWh |
| February 2026 | 23.12¢ | $147 | 634 kWh |
| January 2026 | 23.13¢ | $174 | 753 kWh |
| December 2025 | 22.92¢ | $160 | 699 kWh |
| November 2025 | 22.68¢ | $117 | 516 kWh |
| October 2025 | 22.49¢ | $109 | 483 kWh |
| September 2025 | 23.32¢ | $144 | 619 kWh |
New Jersey's 12-month average rate is higher than 2 of its 3 neighbors.
| State | 12-mo avg rate | Avg monthly bill | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 23.74¢ | $160 | #12 |
| Delaware | 17.98¢ | $167 | #19 |
| New York | 28.60¢ | $168 | #6 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.86¢ | $174 | #15 |
| Appliance | Typical wattage | Cost per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Space heater | 750–1,500 W | $0.18–$0.36 |
| Refrigerator | 725 W | $0.17 |
| Clothes dryer | 1,800–5,000 W | $0.43–$1.19 |
| Washing machine | 350–500 W | $0.08–$0.12 |
| Dishwasher | 1,200–2,400 W | $0.28–$0.57 |
| Electric water heater | 4,500–5,500 W | $1.07–$1.31 |
| Microwave | 750–1,100 W | $0.18–$0.26 |
| Window fan | 55–250 W | $0.01–$0.06 |
All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for New Jersey
New Jersey has retail electricity choice: in many areas, households can buy their electricity supply from a competitive retail provider instead of the utility's default rate. Your local utility still delivers the power and handles outages. Availability depends on your utility area. Compare the plan rate, contract length, fees and any cancellation charge before you switch.
Each kW of solar panels in Newark produces about 1,305 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average New Jersey home, a 6.4 kW system would cost about $16,448 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 8.6 years. See the full New Jersey solar estimate.
Switching ProvidersNew Jersey lets you choose a Third Party Supplier while your utility keeps delivering power. Here's how switching works, your BPU rights and a checklist.
Switching ProvidersFixed plans lock your supply price per kWh for a term; variable plans can change monthly. Here is how each works, state rules, and how to choose.
Saving EnergyPractical ways to lower your electric bill, from free thermostat and standby-power fixes to LEDs, insulation and rate plans, each backed by DOE, EPA or EIA guidance.
SolarThe 25D federal credit ended for systems installed after 2025. Here is what now decides whether solar pays off, and how to estimate your own payback.
The average residential electricity rate in New Jersey was 24.61¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 23.74¢ per kWh.
The average residential customer in New Jersey paid $236 for 960 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.
In August 2026, New Jersey's average rate of 24.61¢ was 36% higher than the US average of 18.16¢.
Yes, New Jersey has retail electricity choice, so many households can buy supply from a competitive provider. Your utility still delivers the power.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Form EIA-861M monthly sales and revenue data. Latest month: August 2026. Recent months may be preliminary and revised by EIA. See how we calculate.