08/13/2026
Utility rate pressure continues to build for commercial & industrial energy users. These are not isolated increases. They are additional increases layered onto years of rising electricity costs. Key examples include:
JCP&L, New Jersey - Requesting a $253 million increase in base distribution rates, plus recovery of $476 million in deferred storm costs over ten years. The utility estimates an average increase of approximately 8.5% across its customer base if the proposal is approved. This comes after New Jersey commercial electricity rates increased at a compound annual rate of 6.4% from April 2021 through April 2026. That represents approximately 36% cumulative growth, where Industrial electricity rates increased at a compound annual rate of 8.9% over the same period, representing approximately 53% cumulative growth. Those figures demonstrate the cost environment in which JCP&L businesses are now facing another proposed increase.
We Energies, Wisconsin - is requesting an average electric base rate increase of approximately 12% over 2027 & 2028. Industrial customers are projected to experience an average increase of approximately 8.7% over the two year period. This request follows two consecutive rate cycles in which customers already experienced double digit increases.
Wisconsin Public Service - is requesting an average electric increase of approximately 8.9% over 2027 & 2028.
El Paso Electric, Texas - has implemented newly approved rates that will increase some bills by as much as 13% & added a separate Rate Case Expense Surcharge that will remain on commercial bills for 24 months.
That distinction matters. Commercial electricity costs are not driven by one rate. They are shaped by energy charges, demand charges, transmission costs, capacity costs, riders, surcharges, ratchets, & customer specific load profiles. For commercial property owners & businesses, relying entirely on utility supplied electricity means accepting continued exposure to regulatory increases, storm recovery costs, infrastructure investments, new riders, & changing rate structures.
Solar cannot eliminate every utility charge. But when properly designed around the facility load, solar can significantly reduce purchased electricity & create greater control over long term energy costs. The question is not whether utility rates will continue to change. The question is how much of that exposure your business wants to retain.
SolBid helps commercial and industrial property owners turn rising utility costs into a long term energy strategy through data driven solar solutions designed around each facility’s usage & financial goals.
