TRENTON – Senator Benjie Wimberly issued the following statement about proposed electric rate increases in New Jersey:

“The proposed electric rate increase in New Jersey is not just an inconvenience; it’s a looming crisis that will impact the vast majority of residents, particularly those in District 35. With rates expected to exceed the consumer price index, many households will face financial devastation as their monthly electric bills rise by an average of $25, or 17.23% to 20.20%. For families already struggling to make ends meet, this additional burden could force them to choose between basic necessities (e.g. food, healthcare, and even rent).

The number of New Jerseyans qualifying for energy assistance programs such as NJShares, the Universal Service Fund (USF), and the Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) Program is rapidly increasing. But there is simply not enough funding to support the growing demand. Even with these critical programs, the resources will be stretched too thin, leaving many without vital assistance or significant delays in the application process. This is a disaster in the making, and it is especially going to impact our district, where many families are fighting to make ends meet.

The consequences of this crisis will not stop at financial hardship. We are already seeing the alarming possibility that people may turn to unsafe alternatives like coal or candles to cook and heat their homes. This is not just inconvenient, it’s dangerous. It could lead to fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other severe health hazards. We are heading into a perfect storm of financial and physical risk for our community, and the domino effect could devastate us all.

As a Senator who prioritizes the safety and well-being of our people, I will be voting in favor of resources to support our community safety measures every time this issue hits the floor. We cannot afford to ignore the pressing need for more funding for our assistance programs and greater oversight to ensure that our most vulnerable are protected. This is a public emergency, and we must act now to prevent a disaster that will reverberate across our state.”