NJ lawmakers explore why summer energy bills were so high
TRENTON, N.J. (PIX11) - If your energy bills were sky-high this summer, you are not alone.
It's why New Jersey lawmakers came together for a hearing to learn why and to discuss how to solve it. Among those testifying was AARP New Jersey, representing the voices of elderly residents living on fixed incomes.
"Folks maybe can't afford as much food as they need, cut back on medications," said Evelyn Liebman of AARP New Jersey. "We've heard of folks who have closed off parts of their homes so they don't have to cool it or heat it."
A number of utility companies, including PSE&G and JCP&L, testified before the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee on Wednesday. Largely, the companies point to a historically hot summer and an increase in energy rates as part of the culprit. They say they have offered assistance to their customers who have struggled to pay their bills.
Then, there's another issue. As grid operators testified that older energy resources have been retired, there's been a decrease in energy generation.
"Right now we're only generating 75% of what we utilize," said Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (D-NJ 14th District). "Then we spoke today about the increase in demand, whether it's AI data centers, electric vehicle charging stations, moving to heat pumps, that's all electric, so we need more generation to provide with that."
"Numerous witnesses said we need more generation, and we need more reliable generation," said Assemblyman Christian Barranco (R-NJ 25th District). "I think that's where we need to go."
Advocates testified the public needs to be more educated on bill assistance programs available to those who qualify. They suggested creating a program to prevent utilities from being shut off in the hot months similar to a current state program that prevents shutoff in the winter months.