How do I read my PSEG electric bill?

What are the most important parts of my PSEG electricity bill?

Understanding your PSE&G Bill is the first step in taking control of your energy expenses and getting a better PSE&G Electricity Rate. You might be unsure about what you're being charged for and what you are expected to pay. Fortunately, it's not usually too hard to decode your PSG&E bill.

1. Service Charge: A fixed monthly charge that includes the cost to maintain an account for a customer, including metering and billing.

2. Distribution Charge: The charge for delivering electricity to a customer’s home, including the cost of government-mandated programs designed to achieve public policy goals, such as energy conservation. Refer to the Tariff for Electric Service for more details.

3. Supply Charge: The charge for generation, including the cost of the transmission from generation facilities to the local distribution system. Refer to PSE&G’s website for current charge.

4. Price to Compare (PTC): A customer may choose to receive electric supply from PSE&G or a third party supplier. A customer who receives electric supply from a third party supplier will not have to pay the Basic Generation Service Charges (BGS) to PSE&G.

The PTC per kWh for PSE&G’s BGS Charges for residential customers, by rate schedule, is indicated in the bill illustration above.

The current PTC is available on PSE&G’s website. PSE&G will continue to deliver electricity to its customers and is the company that customers call if they have problems with their service.

What are "Electric Charges" on my bill?

You will see a few different charges on your electricity bill. Your are based on a kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is the unit used to measure your energy use. Items on your bill include a service charge, which you pay for the maintenance of your PSEG account, such as metering and billing. This is a fixed amount that you pay each month. There is also a distribution charge and a supply charge. These pay for the delivery and generation of the electricity you use.

If you choose to get your energy from PSE&G, you will pay Basic Generation Service Charges. However, your other option is to compare PSEG electricity rates from third parties and perhaps use one of them. Your bill from PSEG indicates the Price to Compare, which is the figure you can use to compare them to other electricity providers. You can also find it on the utility company's website if you don't have your bill to hand. It's useful to have this figure if you're considering changing your energy supplier. It makes it easier to work out if you'll be getting a better deal with a third-party supplier instead of sticking with PSE&G. If you do decide to switch, remember that PSE&G will still deliver your electricity and manage some other things.

What can I do to lower my PSEG bill?

We can help you get a better rate on your PSEG electricity bill.

1. Find your most recent bill, because you'll need some information in order to place an order
2. Review the electricity plans and rates available in your area
3. Pick a new electricity provider based on our ratings and customer reviews.
4. Click the 'Sign Up Now' button and place your order through our secure checkout!

What other information appears on my PSEG bill?

As well as the charges you will see on your bill, there is also other key information. This helps you ensure that you have the bill for the correct account and period. You will see the date, your account number, and the invoice number on your bill. There is also a number listed for customer service and emergencies. You should use this number if you have any problems with your bill or electricity service. At the side of your bill, you will also see your meter number and the recent usage readings taken from it.

What are Rate Schedules?

It might also help you to understand the available rate schedules. Most domestic users will be on the Residential Service. There is also the Residential Load Management Service, which charges delivery rates based on peak and off-peak times of the day. You might also use the Water Heating Storage Service for the delivery of controlled water heating service. Both Residential Heating Service and Water Heating Service are being phased out, although you might still be served under them.

Your PSE&G bill isn't difficult to understand once you know what the different charges are for. Take a minute to understand it to ensure you aren't paying over the odds.