Public Hearing On NJ Natural Gas 24 Percent Rate Hike Request Wednesday

Customers of New Jersey Natural Gas who want to speak out against the company's request for a 24 percent rate increase in its delivery charge can do so today in Freehold Township.

'The Board of Public Utilities is holding two public hearings -- at 4 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m. -- on the proposal, which the utility company said would increase monthly heating bills by an average of $21.

NJ Natural Gas has said the funds will go toward improvements and maintenance of its natural gas distribution system.

The hearing is being held at the Freehold Township Municipal Building at 1 Municipal Plaza-Schanck Road, Freehold Township.

A number of local goverment representatives, including the Ocean County Freeholders and a coalition of mayors, as well as the Sierra Club and the AARP have come out against the proposed rate increase, saying it will put too much of a burden on area senior citizens, whose budgets are tight to begin with.