17%*

*That’s how many New Jerseyans think state elected officials are doing enough to lower the cost of electric bills, according to a new AARP opinion poll released today.

In the face of utility industry requests and proposals for more than $8 billion worth of electric utility rate hikes before the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities or the Legislature, AARP has delivered striking results from a new public opinion poll demonstrating significant concern among residents when it comes to rising utility bills, the quality of services, and the need for robust industry oversight.

The poll of 800 New Jerseyans ages 45+ asked a series of questions on the cost and quality of the electric utility services that they currently receive.  Among the respondents were households serviced by each of the State’s four electric providers.

Some of the key findings from the poll include:

Residents’ level of concern about the cost of electricity going up.

• 46% of respondents are extremely or very concerned about the price of electricity going up. An additional 25% are somewhat concerned.

Elected officials are not doing enough to keep utility bills in check.

• Only 17% of respondents believe that their elected officials are doing enough to lower their electric bills.

Sandy recovery depends on adequate preparation by utility companies.

• 69% of respondents believe that if utility companies could have taken steps either before or during Superstorm Sandy to limit the extent of the damage and/or length of power outages, utility stockholders should be required to pay the related costs rather than consumers.

Overwhelming support for strong BPU oversight.

• 94% of those who responded believe that the BPU should evaluate proposed infrastructure improvements before utility rates are approved.  

• 83% want a comprehensive rate case review of storm related costs rather than recovery though new surcharges on consumer bills.

• 88% believe it is extremely or very important that bill payer safeguards are in place including prudence reviews, audits and performance standards so excessive storm cost overruns are not passed on to consumers. 

The survey leaves little doubt that New Jersey ratepayers have serious concerns when it comes to the cost and quality of the utility services that they currently receive.