'SayNoTo24:' Brick Mayor Joins Coalition Opposing NJNG Rate Increase

BRICK, NJ -- Mayor John G. Ducey has joined a bi-partisan coalition of mayors from across Ocean and Monmouth counties, vowing to fight a New Jersey Natural Gas request to increase its delivery rate cost by 24 percent.

The “Say No to 24 Coalition,” which includes the mayors of several towns, is calling on other local governments throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties to join the fight against the rate hikes.

“Many Brick senior citizens are living on fixed incomes and cannot afford an increase of this magnitude,” Ducey said. “A 24 percent rate hike from New Jersey Natural Gas is unacceptable and would be devastating for Brick’s most vulnerable residents.”

Michael Federici, co-owner of Federici’s restaurant, said the proposed rate hike would increase his monthly bill by $301.88 and his annual bill by $3,622.58 in his Belmar restaurant alone.

“As a small business owner we watch every dollar," Federici said. "Even small increases can mean the difference between turning profit or not. This much of an increase would be extremely painful for a small business like us. We work from month to month to make sure our restaurants flourish and our employees earn a decent living. It’s good to know that leaders like Mayor Ducey and the other members of the Coalition are fighting for small business owners like myself.”

Among the elected officials joining Ducey were Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty, Manasquan Mayor Ed Donovan, Lake Como Mayor Brian Wilton, Aberdeen Mayor Fred Tagliarini, Ocean Township Mayor Chris Siciliano, and Roosevelt Mayor Jeff Ellentuck.

Members of the “Say No to 24 Coalition” will attend the rate hike hearings on April 27 at the Freehold Township Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza-Schanck Road, Freehold Township at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Interested parties who would like to attend the Freehold hearings should sign up via email at SayNoTo24@gmail.com.

NJNG filed its petition with the state Board of Public Utilities but the petition is currently in front of an administrative law judge.

Residents are encouraged to use #SayNoTo24 on social media to voice their opinion about the 24 percent rate hike, Ducey said.