Jersey Central Power and Light (JCPL) is one of the major utility companies that operate in New Jersey. The utility company currently serves over 1.1 million customers in the central and northern areas of the state. The main responsibility of Jersey Central Power and Light (JCPL) is to maintain and manage the power lines that deliver electricity to customers within its service area. The cost of delivering the electricity includes the distribution charges and represents the regulated section of the electric bill. JCPL customers cannot switch utility companies for delivery services.

Jersey Central Power and Light (JCPL)

Jersey Central Power and Light (JCPL) Power Outages

If you live within JCPL’s service area and experience a power outage, then you will need to contact the utility company. JCPL is responsible for fixing all power outages within its service area. Thanks to greater investments being made into the infrastructure of the power lines, potential power outages can usually be detected and diverted before they can occur.

  • Jersey Central Power and Light (JCPL) Power Outage Number: 1-888-544-4877
  • Jersey Central Power and Light (JCPL) Customer Contact Number: 1-800-662-3115
Power outage

New Jersey Energy Choice

New Jersey is among a growing list of states that have deregulated the electricity market allowing residents to choose an alternative electric supplier other than the local utility company for supply services. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities took the steps in the late 1990s to restructure the energy market and give more power to residents over their electric bills.

Before energy deregulation, the utility companies had a monopoly over the generation, transmission, and delivery of electricity to customers within their respective service areas. If a customer was unhappy with the high charges, there was little they could do. Thanks to energy choice, that has all changed.

Jersey Central Power and Light (JCPL) Basic Generation Service

Along with delivering power, JCPL is required to provide a basic generation service rate to customers that decide not to switch over to an alternate electric supplier. The basic generation service is a variable rate that often isn’t competitive. The basic generation service rate is also referred to as the JCPL’s price to compare. The price to compare rate is what customers can use while shopping for an energy plan. If an electric supplier is offering a supply rate that is lower than the price to compare, then the customer will be saving money by switching to the new supplier.

JCPL Energy Efficiency Tips

If you’re a JCPL customer, then shopping for an electric supplier and lowering the supply rate on the electric bill is a great first step to take in saving money. However, there are other options you can include to further cut down on energy costs. Lowering the amount of monthly energy consumption can have a major impact on the amount you pay. Below are a few tips on reducing your monthly energy consumption.

double-pane windows

Double-Glazed Windows

Installing double-glazed windows can help reduce the amount of heat transfer by 40 to 50 percent. You may qualify for a federal tax credit of 10% of the cost for installing Energy Star windows.

air conditioner

Energy Star Air Conditioners

Air conditioners represent a large percentage of a home’s energy expense. Installing and properly maintaining an Energy Star air conditioner can help reduce your monthly energy consumption. Residents may qualify for a $300 tax credit when installing an Energy Star air conditioner.

window blinds

Blinds and Curtains

Closing blinds and curtains throughout the day can help reduce the amount of direct sunlight keeping your house cool during the day. The less heat that enters the house the less the air conditioner has to work in keeping your house cool.

ceiling fan

Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a great way to circulate cold air around the house. The more the cold air gets circulated, the less you have to depend on the air conditioner kicking on. If you have ceiling fans, then take advantage.

JCPL and Power to Choose

If you’re still using Jersey Central Power and Light (JCPL) as your default service for the supply charges, then now is a good time to start shopping for a new electric supplier. JCPL customers can save 15 to 30 percent when getting off the basic generation service and selecting a new supplier. Energy choice opens the door to more options that include a variety of energy plans that aren’t available with JCPL’s basic generation service.

Electric suppliers that provide supply services in the state must be licensed by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. A list of licensed energy suppliers can be found on the utility commission’s website. Online services are also available to help you make an informed decision before switching energy suppliers. At Electric Rate Select, we strive to offer a price comparison platform that makes it easier for residential and commercial customers to easily compare energy plans. We will be happy to assist you in finding the best energy plan based on your needs.

New Jersey Utility Companies