30K Sign Petition On Rising Electric Costs In South Jersey

SOUTH JERSEY — As nearly 30,000 people have signed a petition demanding an explanation on why their electric bills have tripled in some cases, Atlantic City Electric is saying that "changes in rates, the cost of electricity and seasonal temperatures may have led to fluctuations in customer's recent electric bills."

South Jerseyan Nick Pittman - best known as local meteorologist NorEasterNick - launched the Change.org petition titled "Demand Transparency and Accountability from Atlantic City Electric on Rising Rates."

This comes at the same time that Rep. Jeff Van Drew called for the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to hold a public hearing on the matter. Read more: Spiking Electric Bills Under Investigation In South Jersey: Van Drew

"Atlantic City Electric, a subsidiary of Exelon Corp., announced an increase of 18% which, for an average consumer like me, translates into a $16 increase as opposed to the astounding $600 extra being charged," Pittman wrote in the petition. "On reviewing numerous customer testimonials, it is evident that we are not isolated cases but victims of an outrageous increase ranging from 300%-400%."

In a statement shared with Patch, Atlantic City Electric attributed the rise in costs to rate increases, increased energy demand, inflation and extreme weather.

"We will continue to work with local officials to ensure we are meeting the energy needs of our customers and to understand the factors contributing to rising energy costs," a spokesperson for Atlantic City Electric said.

In the petition, Pittman writes:

As the affected residents of New Jersey, we demand the following: a thorough and independent audit of Atlantic City Electric’s rate increment calculations, a transparent explanation of the sudden spike in the bills incorporating these new percentages, and finally, a call for the involvement of politicians to conduct an inquiry into this issue reinforcing consumer protection laws.

"Customers also recently saw a supply rate increase of 13 percent and a five percent distribution rate increase. All rate increases are regulated by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU)," the spokesperson said.

The utility company emphasized that they do not profit from that 13 percent increase.

Atlantic City Electric also said they offer options for customers struggling to pay bills. Customers can contact Atlantic City Electric at 800-642-3780 to discuss payment arrangements or visit atlanticcityelectric.com/EnergyAssistance to learn more about energy assistance options.