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April 25, 2025
The Hon. Christine Guhl-Sadovy
President
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
44 S. Clinton Avenue
Trenton, NJ 08625
Re: Urgent Concern and Strong Opposition to Proposed Utility Rate Hike
Dear President Guhl-Sadovy,
I am writing to you to express my urgent concern and strong opposition to the proposed 20% utility rate hike. This staggering increase would disproportionately affect seniors and families on fixed incomes in our municipality.
This proposed rate hike would be nothing short of devastating for individuals and families already struggling to make ends meet across our municipality. Many residents are still trying to recover from the financial burdens caused by record-high inflation and rising costs of living.
With every dollar stretched thin, an increase in energy costs will create an unbearable situation where basic needs like electricity impact the affordability of all other household budget items. You must use your power and position to stop this increase set for June.
Communities across New Jersey, especially all-electric communities like many of our senior citizen communities here in Monroe, will bear the brunt of this increase beginning this summer.
It is hard to overstate the dramatic and negative impact this rate hike will have on our residents. In towns like ours, a 20% increase could push some of our most vulnerable residents, particularly seniors, to make painful decisions – whether to pay for electricity or forgo necessary expenses, such as medications and health care services, to pay their utility bills. Again, you must not let this happen.
I implore you to focus on finding solutions that expand capacity and reduce costs without placing an undue burden on the people who may already be struggling.
It is essential to consider not only the financial standing of the utility providers but also the real-life consequences of Monroe and all New Jersey residents.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I expect you to work with all parties and take action to avoid this dramatic 20% increase set for June.
Please provide an update on the proposed actions to be taken by you and fellow commissioners to stop this harmful increase in June that I can share with my residents.
Sincerely,
Mayor Stephen Dalina
Cc: BPU Commissioners
NJLEG 14th District Delegation
Ronald Rios, Director, Board of County Commissioners
Brian X. Tierney, President and CEO, FirstEnergy Corp.
Chance Lykins, Director, Office of Government Affairs, NJBPU
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