Seven Democratic lawmakers from South Jersey are outraged over the rising costs of electric bills and are demanding an explanation from the Board of Public Utilities.
State Sens. John Burzichelli (D-Paulsboro) and Paul Moriarty (D-Washington), Assemblywoman Heather Simmons (D-Glassboro) and Andrea Katz (D-Chesterfield), and Assemblymen David Bailey (D-Woodstown), Dan Hutchison (D-Gloucester Township), and Cody Miller (D-Monroe) say that at least one utility provider has raised electric rates by almost 20% over the last year.
“While we understand that there are many contributing factors for the rate increase, we believe it is important residents fully understand why costs have risen, and what they can do to prevent this from happening in the future,” the legislators said in a letter to BPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “The reality is that the unexpected increases have caused stress and anxiety for many.”
The legislators cited research showing that 37% of Americans cannot afford an emergency expense of over $400.
At the request of the South Jersey lawmakers, the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee will hold a hearing on October 2 to hear testimony on increased electric bills.
“We believe that a legislative hearing that brings together the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, as well as utility providers from across the state, is needed to provide answers for the public,” the seven South Jersey Democrats said. “Affordability remains a top priority for the legislature, and we remain committed to protecting consumers, including but not limited to the possibility of additional legislative action.”
Katz says she will introduce legislation requiring the BPU to consider affordability issues before approving utility company rate increases.
“The BPU should have ratepayers and their pocketbooks in mind when they are making decisions about rate hikes,” said Katz. “The recent hikes were astronomical and simply unaffordable for many people across the state.”