The winter of 2025‑26 in New Jersey was among the coldest in three decades, with record low temperatures and high snowfall totals across the state. The prolonged extreme cold caused higher heating demand and costs for residents and businesses statewide. The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects residential energy expenditures this winter to exceed its earlier outlook for the coming winter. Despite the extreme weather and high demand, New Jersey's utilities performed well throughout the winter. The New Jersey Utilities Association (NJUA) has also invested heavily in modernizing infrastructure to strengthen reliability and safety. Energy efficiency remains a key strategy for managing energy bills, with simple steps such as sealing air leaks, upgrading insulation or installing smart thermostats to reduce demand. Utility‑sponsored energy‑efficiency programs offer rebates and zero-percent financing for upgrades like high‑efficiency heating systems, weatherization improvements and ENERGY STAR® appliances. For customers struggling with higher winter bills, a wide range of assistance programs are available.