Atlantic City Electric last week filed a request with the N.J. Board of Public Utilities for approval to update delivery rates to reflect upgrades and technology enhancements that help continue ensuring safe and reliable service across South Jersey.
The request also includes customer support efforts, including accessibility to energy assistance as well as programs that help customers save money and energy.
This filing represents Atlantic City Electric’s work since its last rate adjustment filing in 2023 and includes major projects to strengthen the grid, which have resulted in the lowest frequency of electric outages ever in 2023 – marking an improvement of the last record, set the previous year, by five percent. Significant projects include:
- Atlantic City/Brigantine Community Reliability Project, which modernized an existing substation and rebuilt two critical transmission lines between Atlantic City and Brigantine;
- Beach Haven Battery Storage Project, the installation of a battery storage system at an existing substation to improve the quality of energy service;
- Cape May Substation Reliability Project, which modernized an existing substation to enhance service reliability for customers in Cape May, West Cape May and Cape May Point;
- Greater Gloucester and Camden Counties Reliability Project, includes local substation enhancements and upgrading 10 miles of transmission line between Monroe Township and Pine Hill to improve reliability in Gloucester and Camden counties.
Investments also include Atlantic City Electric’s Smart Energy Network, creating a smarter and more resilient energy infrastructure while providing new tools that enhance customer experience including an hourly usage feature, high usage alerts, monthly bill projections, and home energy reports and tips.
Smart meters can enable more efficient integration of new energy technologies and connect more customers to a variety of clean energy choices, such as solar, electric vehicles and the recently expanded energy efficiency program, with pilot savings programs made possible by the meter upgrades.
“Rate adjustments help ensure the lights stay on when a customer needs them, that energy service is delivered safely and that we can be a resource for our communities,” AC Electric region President Phil Vavala said. “We know our customers across South Jersey are facing the impacts of inflation and the challenges driven by rising energy demand. Our focus remains on our customers, meeting their growing energy needs while balancing costs and providing tools that help save customers energy and money. Our dedicated team is here to support the needs of customers. including providing flexible payment options and securing energy assistance. We are committed to and have made keeping our customer informed a priority, providing bill impact details in advance to help customers anticipate changes to their bill.”
If the rate adjustment is approved, the typical residential customer using 643 kilowatt hours per month, would see a monthly bill increase of 8 percent or about $12.96.
Christina Renna, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, supported the request.
“For businesses across South Jersey, reliable energy service is critical in helping communities and the local economy thrive,” she said. “The investments Atlantic City Electric is making continues ensuring the lights stay on for both residents and businesses, all while leading the way as a community partner through programs and initiatives benefiting South Jersey.”
