Seen Skyrocketing Electric Bills In South Jersey? Van Drew Investigating

SOUTH JERSEY — Have you experienced skyrocketing electric bills over the past year? You're not alone, according to Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who's launched an investigation into the matter.

On Monday, Van Drew sent a letter to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) demanding a public hearing for South Jerseyans to voice their concerns over spikes in electric bills from Atlantic City Electric and Exelon.

Van Drew said he received data from "thousands" of residents, indicating that energy bills have sometimes tripled in comparison to the same time last year.

"Such increases, especially at a time of severe economic hardship on nearly all expenses, are unacceptable and have placed an undue financial burden on many families in our community," he wrote in the letter.

"I have heard from thousands of constituents across the district who have seen their energy bills skyrocket compared to last year with no explanation as to why," Van Drew said in a statement. "We must get to the bottom of what is driving these unreasonable increases, whether it is linked to offshore wind turbines, smart meter installations, or something else entirely. There needs to be a thorough investigation with a public hearing, and until we have answers, any energy hikes should be immediately halted. South Jerseyans should not be forced to shoulder this additional burden, especially at a time when record-high inflation is already straining household budgets under this administration. I demand the NJBPU take immediate action to alleviate this strain and protect our residents from these unjust financial burdens."