How to Read Your PSE&G Bill
PSE&G (Public Service Electric and Gas) delivers electricity and natural gas across a large part of New Jersey no matter who supplies your actual energy — New Jersey is a deregulated market, so you can buy supply either from PSE&G's regulated default rate, called Basic Generation Service, or from a separate third-party supplier. Your bill separates supply, delivery, and PSE&G's fixed charges and taxes.
Who PSE&G is on your bill
PSE&G is New Jersey's largest utility, delivering electricity across 13 counties and natural gas across those same counties plus additional territory. Whether you're on PSE&G's own supply rate or a third-party supplier, PSE&G still owns the wires and pipes, reads your meter, and handles outages and emergencies — the delivery side of the bill is identical either way.
Supply vs. delivery charges
New Jersey allows customers to choose a Third Party Supplier (TPS) for the energy portion of their electric or gas service. A PSE&G bill therefore separates a supply charge — the actual electricity or gas, which is shoppable — from a delivery charge — PSE&G's regulated fee for its infrastructure, which stays the same regardless of your supplier choice.
Basic Generation Service (BGS)
One term specific to PSE&G (and other New Jersey utilities) is Basic Generation Service, or BGS — the regulated default electricity supply rate set through an auction process overseen by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. If you haven't shopped with a third-party supplier, BGS is what you're paying for electric supply. The gas equivalent is sometimes referred to as Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS). Either way, these default rates are the benchmark to compare against a third-party supplier's offer.
Fixed charges and taxes
Below supply and delivery, expect a customer charge that applies every billing period regardless of usage, plus riders that fund programs like energy efficiency and infrastructure investment, and applicable New Jersey state taxes and fees. These are typically smaller individually but can add up, especially in a low-usage month.
Reading your usage history
PSE&G bills generally include a usage summary comparing your current period to recent months or the same month a year ago — the fastest way to tell whether a higher bill reflects more usage (a hot or cold month) or a rate change on the supply or delivery side. PSE&G's online "My Account" portal has more detailed usage history if the printed bill's chart isn't granular enough.
If you're comparing a third-party offer
When requesting a quote from a third-party supplier, it helps to have your account number and rate class on hand, along with a recent bill showing your usage history. Comparing an offer's per-kWh or per-therm price against PSE&G's current BGS or BGSS rate, rather than against last year's rate, is the only way to know if switching would actually save you money right now.
Frequently asked questions
What is "Basic Generation Service" (BGS) on my PSE&G bill?
BGS is PSE&G's default electric supply rate, set through a regulated auction overseen by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. If you haven't chosen a third-party supplier, BGS is the rate you're paying for your electricity supply.
Does PSE&G still deliver my power or gas if I switch suppliers?
Yes. PSE&G remains responsible for delivery, meter reading, and emergency response regardless of which third-party supplier you choose for electric or gas supply — switching only changes who supplies the energy and what you pay for it.
Does PSE&G serve both electric and gas customers?
Yes, PSE&G is New Jersey's largest utility and serves both electric and natural gas customers, with its gas territory extending into a couple of additional counties beyond its electric service area.
See this on your own bill
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