PSEG Switching Percentages Lag Behind Other NJ Utilities

While the overall electric switch percentages continue to increase in New Jersey, the portion of PSEG customers participating in energy choice has lagged behind that of the other state utilities. The electric switch percentages measures the portion of customers in a service utility area who are taking part in New Jersey electricity competition and buying power from a competitive supplier. Total active New Jersey electricity shoppers increased by 16,772 customers to 458,833 from May 2012 to June 2012.

Out of the three biggest New Jersey electric utilities – PSE&G, JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric – the PSE&G switch rate is the lowest at 11.8% compared to over 16% for the other big two utilities. The gas switch statistics show a similar story with only 6.64% of PGE&G gas customers taking the time to shop for competitive rates. The next largest gas utilities in the state, South Jersey Gas and New Jersey Natural gas, have switch rates of 10% and 8% respectively.

One theory of the lower switch numbers for PSE&G, the states largest utility for both electric and gas, is the complicated utility identification numbers found on the PSE&G bill needed to complete a switch to a competitive supplier. In order to switch to a competitive electricity company, the customer must find their 18 digit electric POD ID number found on their bill. Another similar 18 digit gas POD ID number exists as well on the bill for consumers looking to switch gas suppliers. ElectricRate.com, an energy comparison site, has reported that many PSE&G customers mistakenly enter in their PSE&G account number when attempting to make a switch. Competitive energy companies are unable to complete a switch request with just an account number according to New Jersey Board of Public Utilities rules. Many consumers struggle to find the correct POD ID on their electric bill and give up on making the switch. In some cases, the customer may accidentally give their gas POD ID when signing up for electric service or vice versa.

Customers willing to take the time to find the correct POD ID number on their PSE&G bills will reap the benefits with large energy savings. Below are current competitive electric rates available in the PSE&G service area.