If I have been billed incorrectly, what should I do?

If you believe you have been billed incorrectly contact the utility first. Utility companies are obligated to thoroughly investigate the matter and report the results to you. If you are not satisfied with the response to or actions taken by the utility to remedy the situation, contact the BPU’s Division of Customer Assistance. 

 

Are there any incentives that the BPU has for installing solar panels on my business?

The BPU no longer provides upfront rebates for solar systems. A Federal solar tax credit, also known as the investment tax credit (ITC) may allow you to deduct up to 30 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. 

 

How can I get more information about New Jersey’s new Energy Master Plan (EMP)?

Subscribe to the Energy Master Plan Newsletter. The Energy Master Plan listserv is a resource for those interested in the process that will culminate in the final energy master plan. The listserv includes announcements about meetings, documents posted and other important steps in the EMP process. Take advantage of this service and "get on the list" to receive the latest information about the Energy Master Plan at http://mail.njcleanenergy.com/mailman/listinfo/emp.

 

Where can I go to find more information about community solar programs?

Visit the Community Solar Stakeholder page for information on upcoming meetings or to subscribe to the listserv to receive communication on this topic.

 

Are there incentives for putting in EV charge stations at my facility?

Yes. It Pay$ to Plug In is NJ’s Electric Vehicle Charging Grant program. There is a waitlist for the grants. You can go to https://www.drivegreen.nj.gov/plugin.html for more information.

 

If my business suffers from a financial hardship is there a way to start a deferred payment plan to keep my business running?

Yes. Each utility may, prior to termination of service, offer to qualifying customers a deferred payment plan for the customer to establish a plan for unpaid bills for utility service. 

Each deferred payment plan entered into by the utility and the customer shall provide that service will not be discontinued if a:

• Customer agrees to pay a reasonable amount of the outstanding bill at the time the parties enter into the deferred payment agreement.
• Customer agrees to pay all future bills for utility service in accordance with the billing and collection tariffs of the utility.
• Customer agrees to pay a reasonable portion of the remaining outstanding balance in installments over a period of months set by the utility.

 

Does the BPU have any incentives to help pay for energy efficient equipment?

Yes. The BPU manages New Jersey's Clean Energy Program which offers significant financial incentives for commercial, industrial, and governmental customers to integrate energy efficient and renewable technologies into new construction, upgrades, and new cooling & heating equipment installations.

 

Does the BPU regulate third party suppliers?

No. The rates charged by third party suppliers are not regulated by the BPU, but the BPU does license them. You should become familiar with provisions set forth in your contract with your Third Party Supplier addressing the rates and contract termination.

 

Does my utility compete against third party suppliers?

No. Your utility supports energy competition and encourages customers to choose a supplier that is right for them. The utility’s primary business role is energy delivery, and suppliers are in the business of helping consumers choose where their energy comes from. Even after you choose a non-utility supplier, your utility will still be there to read your meter, handle service calls, and provide emergency assistance.

 

What can I do if I think my meter reading is incorrect?

You have a right to request a regulated gas, electric or water utility your meter if you believe it does not accurately reflect your usage. You have the right to have your meter tested, free of charge, once a year by your utility. For a $5 fee the meter test will be conducted under the supervision of a BPU staff member.

 

When can a utility shut-off my service?

There are certain conditions under which the utility can shut-off service.  After giving proper notice, the utility company may disconnect your service if you are in violation of any of the utility's tariffs, or for reasons such as:

• Failure to pay a delinquent bill
• Failure to meet or maintain your deposit.
• Failure to provide the utility company reasonable access to its equipment and property.
• The utility has evidence of meter tampering or fraud.

 

If you have a question that you don’t see listed here you can contact the Ombudsperson at ombudsman@bpu.nj.gov.