WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-2nd) last week said an 8% increase in electric rates is too much for overburdened South Jersey residents to afford at this time.
Atlantic City Electric’s parent company, Exelon, has asked the NJ Board of Public Utilities to approve an increase for electricity delivery rates and technology enhancements it says will ensure a safe and reliable service across South Jersey.
"Let me be clear—Exelon has already taken far too much from the hardworking families and small businesses of South Jersey," Van Drew said in a release. "Now, they are trying to force our residents to bankroll their radical agenda, including electric car charging stations, while they continue to rake in massive profits. This is a company valued in the tens of billions of dollars. If they want to upgrade their infrastructure, they can do it on their own dime—not by gouging South Jersey residents even further."
The filing includes major projects to strengthen the grid, which has resulted in a lower frequency of electric outages in 2023, a 5% improvement over the previous year.
Van Drew said the rate increase on top of the increase approved in 2023 will be used to pay for infrastructure upgrades such as electric vehicle charging stations.
Atlantic City electric says the rate increase is needed to continue its reliability programs, which have included:
• 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.
Van Drew called on residents to take immediate action by voicing their opposition to the BPU.
"While I will continue to do all I can at the federal level, this is a state-level issue that will ultimately be decided by the NJ BPU. Their decision hinges on public input, and your voice matters. Now is the time to flood your state officials with calls, messages, and concerns and demand they call on the NJ BPU to reject this outrageous rate hike.”
He said he would encourage the Trump administration to conduct an investigation into Exelon’s practices.
"Exelon has gone too far this time, and we will fight this tooth and nail to protect South Jersey families and businesses from this continued exploitation. South Jersey deserves better than to be treated as a piggy bank by a greedy corporation looking to line its pockets at our expense,” he said.
Exelon’s other investments 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 are more efficient and offer a variety of clean energy choices, such as solar, electric vehicles and the recently expanded energy efficiency program.
“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,” said Phil Vavala, Atlantic City Electric region president. “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.”
If the rate adjustment is approved, the typical residential customer using 643 kilowatt hours per month, would see a monthly bill increase of 8% or about $12.96.
Atlantic City Electric said it offers resources to help customers understand their bill, take steps to reduce their energy usage, and help them make their payments throughout the year.
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