TOMS RIVER – Ocean County Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen is raising concerns about a proposed water and wastewater rate increase requested by New Jersey American Water, citing affordability issues and the potential impact on seniors, veterans, and working-class families. Ellenbogen also warned that the proposal raises serious questions about whether ratepayers are being unfairly burdened while a private utility continues to profit.

New Jersey American Water has asked the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to approve higher rates to help fund approximately $1.4 billion in system upgrades statewide. If approved, the proposal could increase the average household bill by about $18 per month. Ellenbogen said residents should not be treated as a blank check for massive infrastructure costs, especially when many families are already stretched thin.

Ellenbogen said the increase would place added pressure on Ocean County residents, particularly those living on fixed incomes, at a time when many households are already facing rising costs for everyday necessities. He expressed concern that the request reflects a pattern of shifting costs onto residents rather than demanding greater accountability from the utility itself.

"Ocean County is home to a large population of seniors, veterans, and residents on fixed incomes, and even modest increases can create real financial strain," said Ellenbogen. "We want to ensure local concerns are clearly heard before any final decisions are made.

Officials acknowledged the importance of maintaining safe and reliable water infrastructure but stressed that affordability must remain a central factor in the rate review process.

"The County supports responsible investment in essential services, but residents should not be asked to shoulder significant increases without full transparency and careful consideration of the impact on vulnerable populations," Ellenbogen said.

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners remains committed to advocating for residents throughout the review process and ensuring Ocean County's voice is represented before any rate increases are approved. Ellenbogen said he will continue to push back against proposals that place corporate convenience over our resident's protection.