According to the New Jersey State Board of Public Utilities, in 2007 over 175,000 households had their electricity shut off. That's a 15 percent jump from 2006.

Over the last six years, the cost of keeping the lights on in the average New Jersey household has more than doubled. And next month could bring more bad news when residential and small business rates are expected to see double digit price hikes.

Under state law, utilities can't shut off if it is 95 degrees outside or warmer or there is a documented medical emergency in the household.

Nationally, the number of families falling behind on their power bills is also on the rise, with at least 15 percent behind at least 30 days.

For WNYC, I'm Bob Hennelly.