Rep Gottheimer unveils ‘Lower Utility Prices Plan’ amidst rising energy costs in NJ

In response to soaring utility bills hitting New Jersey families, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) today announced his “Lower Utility Prices Plan.” The plan comes on the heels of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) approving a 16% increase in natural gas prices, just as winter is here and families face increased heating costs.

“We can’t raise utility bills by sixteen percent when folks are already struggling,” stated Congressman Gottheimer, adding that he had heard from families and small businesses across the state saying they can’t afford their utility bills, their rent, their healthcare or childcare.

“To all our Jersey families who are struggling to pay their utility bills, our fight for affordability is just heating up.” said Representative Gottheimer.

Representative Gottheimer was speaking to the press in Fort Lee, NJ on Tuesday. He was joined by Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, Fort Lee Councilwoman Ila Kasofsky and Fort Lee Councilman Bryan Drumgoole.

The congressman also shared on X an article by New Jersey Monitor about the state’s utility regulator approving gas rate hikes, writing, “Jersey families are seeing gas heating bills spike following the high electricity bills this summer — it’s unsustainable. I won’t stop fighting to lower oil & gas prices, making life more affordable for Jersey families.”

Jersey families are seeing gas heating bills spike following the high electricity bills this summer — it’s unsustainable.

I won’t stop fighting to lower oil & gas prices, making life more affordable for Jersey families.https://t.co/Y26RVxZFQz

— Rep Josh Gottheimer (@RepJoshG) December 3, 2024

Rising Utility Costs Burden New Jersey Families

The BPU’s recent decision to raise gas rates will impact over half a million families in Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris and Ocean counties who rely on New Jersey Natural Gas. Their annual bills are expected to increase by an average of $240. Additionally, over 300,000 Elizabethtown Gas Company customers in Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Sussex, Union and Warren counties will see a 6.5% increase, adding nearly $100 to their annual bills.

These increases follow a pattern of rising energy costs in New Jersey. In 2022, BPU approved price increases costing residents hundreds of dollars more for natural gas, with some seeing an increase of $31 per month.

This comes at a time when electricity demand in the US is projected to more than double by 2050. Compared to the national average, New Jersey’s household bills are already 32% higher.

Gottheimer’s “Lower Utility Prices Plan” Aims for Relief

Representative Gottheimer’s plan is a four-pronged approach to address the rising utility costs:

• Immediate Action: In a letter being sent to the BPU and utility providers, Congressman Gottheimer is calling on them to immediately reconsider their decision to increase utility rates, urging them to prioritize the financial well-being of New Jersey families.
  
• Energy Costs Relief Act: This legislation introduces a refundable tax credit of up to $350 to mitigate the impact of escalating energy expenses.
  
• Know Your Rates Act: This legislation, modeled after a similar bill by State Senator John Burzichelli, requires utility companies to implement a system of proactive customer communication, notifying them via phone, email or text after ten days into the billing cycle if their energy consumption surpasses their monthly average. A second notification would be sent after 20 days, allowing families to adjust their usage or prepare for higher bills.
  
• Home Energy Assistance Tax Credit (HEAT) Act: This legislation proposes doubling the maximum allowable Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit to $4,000 per year, encompassing upgrades such as residential heat pumps.

On Wednesday, Representative Gottheimer announced on X introducing the Energy Costs Relief Act, writing, “With families already suffering from inflation, @NJBPU is whacking residents with a 16% increase in gas prices. I am introducing the Energy Costs Relief Act to provide a refundable tax credit of up to $350 to help offset rising energy costs.”

With families already suffering from inflation,@NJBPU is whacking residents with a 16% increase in gas prices.

I am introducing the Energy Costs Relief Act to provide a refundable tax credit of up to $350 to help offset rising energy costs. pic.twitter.com/XTZxjKUZdM

— Rep Josh Gottheimer (@RepJoshG) December 4, 2024

Gottheimer’s plan aims to provide immediate relief to families struggling with rising utility bills while also addressing the long-term need for energy efficiency and affordability. With winter in full swing and energy costs continuing to climb, this plan appears to be a crucial step in ensuring that New Jersey families have access to affordable and reliable energy.

Watch the video of Congressman Gottheimer speaking in Fort Lee below.

Featured photo shows Congressman Josh Gottheimer (on podium) speaking to the press in Fort Lee, New Jersey on December 3, 2024 and showing that the BPU is putting coal in hardworking Jersey family’s Christmas stocking. Standing to his left is Fort Lee Councilman Bryan Drumgoole and to his immediate right is Fort Lee Councilwoman Ila Kasofsky and to further right is Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich. Image via press release.