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How NJ Businesses Can Survive the 833% Electricity Rate Shock of 2025

Episode Summary

New Jersey businesses face an eight hundred thirty three percent electricity rate increase that started June twenty twenty five. These five proven strategies help companies reduce energy costs and minimize the financial impact on operations. Visit https://theenergyconsultantnj.com for more info.

Episode Notes

I've got some news that's going to make your stomach drop, but stick with me because I also have solutions that can help you fight back. Your twenty twenty five electricity bill? It's about to become your biggest business expense nightmare. We're talking about the PJM capacity auction results that just came out, and folks, the numbers are absolutely staggering. Rates are jumping eight hundred thirty three percent from twenty nine dollars to two hundred seventy dollars per megawatt-day. What does that mean for you? An extra one to four cents per kilowatt hour on your monthly bills. Now, I know what you're thinking. You're probably sitting there looking at your current energy costs and feeling completely helpless. The rate increase is locked in, your supplier contracts are what they are, and you figure you just have to accept higher operating expenses and move on. But here's the thing - that's not entirely true. Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat this. You can't avoid the rate increase entirely. But what you can do is significantly reduce its impact on your bottom line. The secret sauce here is understanding that capacity charges are tied to your peak demand periods. And once you understand that, there are specific strategies that can help you minimize these costs. So let's dive into strategy number one. You need to master your peak demand timing. Here's how it works - your capacity costs are determined by your electricity usage during the five highest demand periods each year. Think about it. These typically happen on those scorching summer afternoons when everyone's cranking their air conditioning to the max. But here's your opportunity. You can reduce your capacity tag by shifting energy-intensive operations away from these peak periods. I'm talking about running heavy machinery, charging equipment, or other high-demand processes during off-peak hours like early morning or late evening. It's a simple shift that can save you serious money. Now, let's talk about strategy number two. How many of you are still with the same energy supplier you've had for years? Be honest. Many businesses just stick with their current supplier without ever exploring better options. But here's the deal - energy procurement isn't just about finding the lowest rate per kilowatt hour anymore. The game has changed. You want to look for suppliers that offer peak demand management programs, flexible pricing structures, or capacity cost mitigation services. Some suppliers are now rolling out specific products designed to help businesses manage the impact of these capacity charge increases. It's worth shopping around. Strategy number three is something called demand response programs. Have you heard of these? They literally pay you to reduce your energy usage during peak periods. I mean, who doesn't want to get paid to use less electricity, right? These programs are especially valuable now because they directly address the capacity charge problem. When you participate in demand response, you're essentially getting paid to lower your peak demand, which reduces your capacity costs. Many businesses are earning hundreds or thousands of dollars annually while cutting their capacity charges. It's a win-win. Let's move on to strategy number four - energy efficiency improvements. Now, this might seem obvious, but hear me out. These upgrades provide double benefits in this new rate environment. First, they reduce your overall energy consumption, which lowers your base costs. Second, and this is the key part, they can help you reduce peak demand, which directly impacts your capacity charges. Focus on upgrades that specifically target peak period usage. We're talking about more efficient HVAC systems, LED lighting with smart controls, or variable frequency drives on motors. These aren't just feel-good improvements anymore - they're strategic business moves. And finally, strategy number five. Have you considered generating your own power? Solar panels, battery storage, and other on-site generation can help you reduce peak demand from the grid. Now, I know what you're thinking - the upfront investment is significant. But these systems can provide substantial long-term savings, especially with this new capacity charge structure. Battery storage is particularly effective because it allows you to store energy during off-peak periods and use it during peak times. Pretty smart, right? But here's the challenge with all of these strategies. How do you know which ones make the most sense for your specific business? Every company has different usage patterns, operational requirements, and financial constraints. This is where working with an energy consultant can make a significant difference. Mike O'Reilly from "The Energy Consultant New Jersey" specializes in helping New Jersey businesses understand their specific energy profiles and develop cost management strategies. His no obligation energy analysis service examines your current usage patterns, identifies your peak demand periods, and provides specific recommendations for your situation. The analysis process is really straightforward. You provide basic business information and upload a recent electricity bill through a secure online portal. The assessment identifies exactly how the rate increase will impact your costs and which strategies would be most effective for your operations. Look, the twenty twenty five rate increase is inevitable. That ship has sailed. But its impact on your business doesn't have to be devastating. By taking action now, you can implement strategies that will save you thousands of dollars annually and position your business to better manage future energy cost challenges. Don't wait to see how these rate increases affect your business. The sooner you understand your energy profile and implement cost management strategies, the more you can minimize the financial impact of New Jersey's electricity rate shock. Click the link in the description to learn more.

The Energy Consultant NJ
City: Bayonne
Address: 104 W 16th St
Website: https://theenergyconsultantnj.com
Phone: +1 201 892 2587
Email: askmike@theenergyconsultantnj.com