If you’ve opened your electric bill recently and thought, “How is it this expensive now?” — you’re not alone.
Across New Jersey, homeowners are seeing utility rates climb year after year, even if they haven’t changed how much electricity they use. And for many families, it feels like there’s no end in sight.
At MACK Solar & Roofing, we talk to homeowners every day in Cherry Hill, Collingswood, Haddon Township, Marlton, Voorhees, Medford, and throughout South Jersey who are asking the same thing:
✅ Why are utility costs rising so much in NJ?
✅ Is it going to keep getting worse?
✅ Is solar worth it right now?
✅ What incentives are still available?
Let’s break it down and show you what you can do right now to protect yourself from rising energy prices.
Why Are Electric Rates Rising in NJ?
New Jersey electricity prices are increasing for several reasons, and most of them are outside of a homeowner’s control.
1. Higher Energy Supply Costs (The “Generation” Part of Your Bill)
Even if the poles and wires look the same, the cost of producing electricity changes constantly. New Jersey is part of the PJM power grid, and power costs are affected by:
- Natural gas prices
- High demand during extreme heat/cold
- Power plant availability and upgrades
- Regional grid congestion
When supply prices rise, your bill rises, even if your usage stays the same.
2. Grid Upgrades and Infrastructure Spending
The grid in NJ is being pushed harder than ever.
More EV charging, more data demand, more electrification, more peak usage… it all adds stress to infrastructure that wasn’t designed for modern demand.
Utilities are investing in:
- Substation upgrades
- Distribution line improvements
- Storm-hardening systems
- Reliability improvements
Those upgrades cost money — and the costs typically get passed on to ratepayers.
3. Peak Demand Keeps Growing (Especially in Summer)
NJ summers have been getting hotter and more extreme. That means more:
- Central AC usage
- Pool pumps
- Dehumidifiers
- EV charging
- Home offices running all day
The grid must be sized to handle peak demand — and peak demand drives future pricing.
4. New Jersey Policy Goals Are Driving Energy Changes
New Jersey is pushing toward cleaner energy and electrification, which can be a good thing long-term — but it often creates higher transition costs in the short term.
These changes can include:
- Shifting away from fossil fuel sources
- Increasing renewables
- Updating incentives and compliance programs
The big takeaway is: the energy system is changing — and bills are reflecting it.
Will NJ Utility Bills Keep Rising?
While no one can predict exact rate changes, the overall trend has been clear:
📈 Electricity rates in NJ have been rising and are expected to continue rising over time.
Even small annual increases (5% per year) compound into huge changes over 10–20 years.
That’s why homeowners are switching their mindset from:
“How do I lower this month’s bill?”
➡️ to
“How do I lock in my cost and protect myself long-term?”
What Can NJ Homeowners Do to Fight Rising Electric Bills?
The Best Option for Many Homeowners: Go Solar!
Solar is one of the only ways to take control of your power cost, instead of being stuck with annual increases.
When you go solar:
✅ You generate your own electricity
✅ You reduce the amount you buy from the utility
✅ You protect yourself from rate hikes
✅ You increase your home value
✅ You may qualify for major incentives
And if your electric bill is high enough, solar can be a game-changer financially.
Why Solar Makes Extra Sense in New Jersey
New Jersey is one of the best solar states in the country because of:
✅ High electricity rates
The higher your utility rate, the more valuable solar becomes.
✅ Incentives that improve ROI
NJ homeowners often have access to multiple layers of savings.
Updated Solar Incentives in NJ (What Homeowners Should Know)
Solar incentives change over time — but as of now, these are some of the biggest opportunities many NJ homeowners can still benefit from:
1. NJ Net Metering (Credits for Excess Power)
Net metering allows homeowners to send unused solar energy back to the grid and receive credits.
This can dramatically improve savings — especially in spring/fall months when your system produces more than you use.
2. NJ Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs / Successor Programs)
New Jersey has had solar certificate programs for years, where homeowners receive financial credit for solar production.
These programs have evolved over time (and continue to), but the goal is the same:
✅ Reward homeowners for producing clean energy
✅ Improve payback and long-term ROI
At MACK Solar & Roofing, we’ll walk you through what programs apply to your project and what you qualify for based on when you install.
3. Solar + Battery Incentives (When Available)
Battery incentives in NJ can vary based on available programs and funding.
A battery can be a huge upgrade because it can help with:
- Backup power during outages
- Greater energy independence
- Protection from future changes in rate structures
Even without a battery rebate, many homeowners choose batteries for peace of mind — especially if outages are becoming more common in their area.
How to Know If Solar Is Worth It for Your Home
Here are the biggest factors we look at when evaluating solar:
✅ Your current electric usage (kWh per year)
Solar is easiest to justify when your bill is already high.
✅ Roof condition and roof orientation
Solar works best on roofs with strong exposure and minimal shading.
If your roof is older, you may want to replace it before solar — we do both, so you don’t have to juggle multiple contractors.
✅ Your long-term plans
If you plan to stay in your home for 3+ years, solar becomes even more powerful financially.
✅ Your financing strategy
Solar can be:
- Purchased cash
- Financed
- Installed with low monthly payment plans
What Homeowners Can Do Right Now (Action Steps)
If your electric bill is rising and you want to take control, here’s what to do next:
✅ Step 1: Get your last 12 months of electric usage
We can size your solar system accurately and show real numbers.
✅ Step 2: Find out if your roof is solar-ready
Roof condition matters — and we can inspect it for free.
✅ Step 3: Get a custom solar proposal
A real solar proposal should show:
- System size (kW)
- Estimated annual production (kWh)
- Total cost
- Federal credit estimate
- Expected monthly payment vs utility bill
- Savings over 25 years
Why Homeowners Choose MACK Solar & Roofing
We’re not a national chain. We’re your local team right here in South Jersey.
Homeowners choose us because we offer:
✅ Solar installation
✅ Roof replacement
✅ Solar detach & reset (re-roofing with solar)
✅ Clear communication
✅ Financing options
✅ Professional workmanship and warranties
We help you make the smartest move for your home — not just sell you a system.
Ready to See What Solar Would Cost (and Save) for Your Home?
If you’re tired of rising utility bills, now is the time to explore solar while incentives are still strong.
📍 Serving homeowners in Cherry Hill, Collingswood, Haddon Heights, Oaklyn, Voorhees, Medford, Marlton, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, and surrounding South Jersey areas.
👉 Contact MACK Solar & Roofing today for a free solar estimate and roof evaluation.
FAQs About Rising Utility Costs and Solar in NJ
Why is my NJ electric bill so high even when I use the same amount?
Because the cost per kWh is rising, along with delivery charges and grid costs.
Does solar eliminate my electric bill completely?
In many cases it can reduce it dramatically — and sometimes eliminate most of it — but you may still have small utility fees depending on the setup.
Is solar worth it in New Jersey winters?
Yes. Solar produces year-round, and the strong savings during spring/summer helps balance seasonal production.
Should I replace my roof before solar?
If your roof is older, yes — it’s often smart to do it first so you don’t pay to remove/reinstall solar later.
