MAYS LANDING Atlantic City Electric has requested New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approval to adjust rates by $67 million, starting Jan. 1, 2022. Based on this request, the typical residential customer, using 679 kilowatt hours per month, would see a monthly bill increase of 6.89%, or about $9.23.
According to a release, the rate increase would allow the utility to recover money spent making the local energy grid smarter, stronger and cleaner, enhancing service and delivering safe, reliable and sustainable energy for customers.
With more working adults at home and school-aged children learning virtually, the need for reliable energy service is greater now more than ever, Region President Gary Stockbridge said. The proposed rate adjustment is necessary to continue providing customers with the level of service they have relied on throughout the pandemic. We understand the significant impacts this pandemic is having on our customers and communities and we're going to continue providing reliable service they can count on, assisting those who may be experiencing hardship and helping create jobs and drive our region's economic recovery.
Modernizing the energy grid has improved reliability and reduced outages by 56% since 2011. The frequency of outages and the average duration of outages in 2019 remained some of the company's lowest ever.
Key electric system modernization projects include upgrades to distribution lines, underground line placements, implementing smarter technology systems and improving substation technology that allows for automatic restoration after an outage.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Atlantic City Electric has helped thousands of customers manage their energy bills by providing tips and information about how to save energy and connecting customers with helpful state and federal energy assistance resources.
Energy Assistance Available
Tens of millions of dollars in energy assistance funding remains available for customers who may be struggling to pay their energy bill. Customers who are facing financial challenges as a result of the ongoing pandemic should contact Atlantic City Electric immediately to set up flexible payment arrangements to bring their account up to date over a mutually agreeable period of time. Atlantic City Electric will work with every customer to help identify the support necessary to continue energy service.
Customers can contact Atlantic City Electric at 800-642-3780 to review payment options and can learn about other available energy assistance at atlanticcityelectric.com/help.
