Assembly Democrats advanced a series of bills Monday during the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee meeting as part of their efforts to combat rising utility costs. Chaired by Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, the committee focused on bills aimed at providing relief for New Jersey ratepayers.
“What we are hearing loud and clear from our constituents is that they can’t afford to pay more for electricity,” said Assemblyman DeAngelo (Mercer, Middlesex). “New Jerseyans are being asked to pay more and more for the same services they rely on daily. By advancing these bills, we are saying that enough is enough. We are working to lower costs now and to ensure that in the years ahead, residents can count on a fair deal.”
The bills would direct the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to take action that is supportive of ratepayers, conduct studies on increased demand and potential new supply, and to investigate how the process of electricity rates is set by the state’s grid operator, PJM Interconnection.
The committee also approved a bill that would require public utilities to redistribute excess profits to their customers.
Over the past several months, Assembly Democrats have taken steps to understand the factors behind the skyrocketing costs of utilities while helping constituents access various aid resources. In March and April, the Senate Select Committee and Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee held joint meetings, where invited guests working in utilities and related fields were able to provide insight on the recent spike in utility pricing and its causes.
In March, Speaker Craig J. Coughlin and other Assembly Democrats, including Assemblyman Dave Bailey and Assemblywoman Heather Simmons, testified before the New Jersey BPU about the rising costs of utility bills and highlighted legislation to address the growing energy costs.
In addition to their legislative efforts, Assembly Democrats have also hosted Utility Assistance Days, where they have brought agencies and organizations to local spaces where they are able to help constituents apply for assistance with their utility bills and learn about additional resources. This has provided some relief for residents struggling to pay their bills.
