AARP CALLS ON  BPU TO PROTECT CONSUMERS IN THE FACE OF PSE&G RATE HIKE PROPOSAL

As New Jersey struggles to climb out of a recession, and in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, residents cannot afford mile-high rate hikes

Statement of Dave Mollen, AARP New Jersey State President

PRINCETON—  The utility industry’s response to Sandy’s mighty surge should not be to subject NJ residents to a second surge of suffering in the form of crippling rate hikes.  Multi-billion dollar price hikes could be devastating to residential and business consumers alike.  

 In light of all that our fellow New Jerseyans have and continue to endure, we call on the Board of Public Utilities to carefully and diligently scrutinize the sheer size of this request and its impact on maintaining affordable utility services especially for those living on low- and fixed-incomes, and whether the benefits outweigh the costs of the company’s proposed projects.  

 AARP opposes  PSE&G’s request for a multi-billion dollar rate hike that is established through a special clause or fee.  This and other rate hike proposals should be considered through the lens of a full base rate case before the BPU as this process provides for maximum transparency and accountability. and best protects the interests of ratepayers.  A rate case requires an examination of all of the company’s books and insures that ratepayers are not paying prices that are too high  and or contributing to exorbitant company profits.

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AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment security and retirement planning. We advocate for consumers in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP VIVA, a bilingual news source.  AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.