New Jersey lawmakers are pushing back against a proposed electric rate hike they say would add more strain for households already grappling with high living costs. The dispute centers on Jersey Central Power & Light's request for an 8.8% residential rate increase, according to Shore News Network.
Here's what to know
In a letter to BPU President Ben Hertz-Shargel, state Sen. Carmen Amato Jr. and Assemblymen Brian Rumpf and Gregory Myhre asked the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to block the company's request. They urged regulators to "immediately and outright reject" JCP&L's latest filing.
The lawmakers used the letter to spell out what they believe the proposal would mean for customers. "It is our understanding that under the proposed increase, the average JCP&L customer's electric bill would increase by $14.23 per month, or $170.76 annually," they wrote, as reported by Shore News Network.
The filing asks for $253 million more in base distribution rates and also seeks recovery of roughly $476 million in deferred storm restoration costs.
What's being done?
The most immediate action is happening at the state level. Amato, Rumpf, and Myhre are pressing the Board of Public Utilities to deny the request rather than scale it back, signaling a firm stance against additional increases to customer bills.
Beyond opposing the rate request, the lawmakers also cited legislation aimed at easing utility costs. That proposal would let New Jersey residents claim a state income tax deduction for residential electric and natural gas bills.
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They also pointed to a separate measure that would channel energy sales tax receipts into utility assistance programs. If enacted, it could provide added support to households struggling to keep up with monthly expenses.
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