Assemblymen Rob Clifton and Ron Dancer, both R-Ocean, expressed their opposition to New Jersey Natural Gas’ (NJNG) request for a 24.2 percent rate increase at a Board of Public Utilities (BPU) public hearing held Wednesday at the Freehold Township Municipal Building. Clifton and Dancer submitted the following statement:

“New Jersey’s infamous high tax burden and overall high cost of living makes it extremely difficult for families, senior citizens and our small business community to make ends meet. New Jersey Natural Gas wants to add to their misery with an outrageous proposal to increase rates by more than 24 percent.

“It’s especially unconscionable that a public utility, which is supposed to serve the public interest, is attempting to raise prices on customers when the company’s top five executives raised their compensation by 40 percent from the previous year. If NJNG can afford such a steep pay raise for its executives, then it can afford to provide customers with service without picking the ratepayer’s pocket.

“Such a steep increase will have a domino effect. Small business owners won’t be able to absorb a 24 percent rate hike. Ultimately, that cost will be passed on to consumers. For senior citizens living on a fixed income, this will create another hardship. Many will be forced to choose between paying their gas bill and buying medication or adequate food.

“We strongly urge the BPU to reject NJNG’s proposal because of the highly burdensome effect such a large increase will have on our residents.”

NJNG made the request to the BPU in November. If granted, the average residential customer using 100 therms a month will pay $260.28 more per year.

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