Ocean County, NJ — Ocean County Commissioners Robert Arace and Jennifier Bacchione are demanding immediate action against the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for its reckless approval of skyrocketing electric rates, calling the increases a direct threat to the financial well-being of local residents.

"These utility rate hikes are unsustainable, unjustified, and downright predatory," said Commissioner Arace. "I hear from residents every day who are being forced to choose between paying their electric bill and buying groceries or medication. This is unacceptable, and the BPU must be held accountable."

Commissioner Bacchione echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for immediate relief. "Our residents should not have to bear the burden of rising utility costs caused by poor decisions made at the state level," said Commissioner Bacchione. "We are committed to fighting for policies that put the interests of our residents first and ensure transparency and fairness from utility companies."

With thousands of Ocean County residents, including seniors and veterans, struggling under the weight of these increases, Commissioners Arace and Bacchione are throwing their full support behind new legislation (S-4096 and A-5299) introduced by Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre.

This bill would:
• Prohibit electric public utilities from increasing rates to recover the cost of installing smart meters.
• Mandate full disclosure of all rate increases, including the amount, effective date, and the real impact on residents' bills.
• Prevent electric companies from disconnecting service or charging late fees for ratepayers affected by increases of 5% or more within six months.

These protections are essential as residents across Ocean County have reported seeing massive spikes in their bills immediately after smart meters were installed. The bill mirrors federal efforts led by Congressman Jeff Van Drew, reinforcing a growing bipartisan movement to rein in corporate overreach by utility companies.

"New Jersey is in the middle of an affordability crisis, and yet the BPU continues to rubber-stamp excessive rate hikes with little transparency," Arace continued. "The smart meter issue is just the latest example of how residents are being nickel-and-dimed without regard for their financial well-being."

Commissioner Bacchione added, "It's time for the BPU to put people over profits and ensure that residents are not left to struggle under the weight of unfair rate hikes. We stand united with our legislative partners in demanding accountability and action."

Commissioners Arace and Bacchione are calling for the immediate passage of this legislation and an urgent freeze on all future rate increases until a more transparent and accountable system is in place. They are also urging Ocean County residents to make their voices heard by contacting the BPU and demanding action.

"We stand with our state and federal legislators in this fight to protect New Jersey families, and we will not stop until we bring real relief to Ocean County," Arace concluded.