Electricity cost in New Jersey
Short answer
Electricity in New Jersey averages about 18¢/kWh. At that rate, running central AC costs about $115/month — above the U.S. average of 16.8¢.
Avg rate
18¢/kWh
| Appliance | Cost / month in New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Central air conditioner | $115 |
| Electric water heater | $66 |
| Refrigerator | $7 |
| Space heater | $41 |
| Electric clothes dryer | $16 |
| EV charger (Level 2) | $118 |
What drives an electric bill in New Jersey
Electricity in New Jersey averages about 18¢/kWh — about 7% above the U.S. average of 16.8¢. Every kilowatt-hour your home uses is billed at that rate, so New Jersey's rate sets the baseline for what every appliance costs to run.
The bill is dominated by high-wattage, long-running loads. In New Jersey, running central AC works out to about $115/month and an electric water heater around $66/month; electric heat and EV charging land in the same tier. Small electronics barely move the needle by comparison — it's the heating, cooling, and water loads that decide a New Jersey bill.
You have two levers. The first is the rate itself — where New Jersey allows supplier or plan choice, shopping it can shave the 18¢ baseline. The second is usage: trimming hours on the biggest draws saves far more than unplugging phone chargers. Enter any appliance in the calculator to see its exact cost at New Jersey's rate.
What drives your bill
| Factor | Effect on your bill |
|---|---|
| Electricity rate | New Jersey averages about 18¢/kWh (U.S. average 16.8¢) |
| Biggest energy users | Central AC, electric heat, water heating, and EV charging dominate the bill |
| Hours of use | More runtime on those big loads is the fastest way a bill climbs |
| Home efficiency | Insulation, sealing, and Energy-Star appliances cut how long everything runs |
| Season & climate | Heating and cooling swings drive bills up in summer and winter peaks |
| Rate plan | Time-of-use plans and, where offered, supplier choice change your effective rate |
How New Jersey compares on rates
| Reference | Average rate |
|---|---|
| U.S. average | 16.8¢/kWh |
| Lowest (Idaho) | 10.5¢/kWh |
| New Jersey | 18¢/kWh |
| Highest (Hawaii) | 42¢/kWh |
Cutting your bill in New Jersey
- Focus on the big loads first — in New Jersey, shaving AC, heating, and water-heater runtime saves more than any small gadget.
- New Jersey's 18¢/kWh rate is above the U.S. average, so efficiency upgrades pay back faster here than in cheaper states.
- Check whether New Jersey offers time-of-use plans or supplier choice — shifting heavy use off-peak can lower your effective rate.
- Run each of your real appliances through the calculator at New Jersey's 18¢ rate to find where your money actually goes.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the average electricity rate in New Jersey?
About 18¢/kWh for residential customers — versus the U.S. average of 16.8¢. Your exact rate depends on your utility and plan.
How much does an electric water heater cost to run in New Jersey?
About $66 per month at New Jersey's 18¢/kWh rate, assuming typical use. Heat-pump water heaters cost far less.
How much does a space heater cost to run in New Jersey?
Around $41 per month if run ~5 hours a day at 18¢/kWh. Space heaters are cheap to buy but expensive to run.