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Politico
4 days ago
- Business
- Politico
New rates, same blame game
Presented by National Fuel Good morning and welcome to the weekly Monday edition of the New York & New Jersey Energy newsletter. We'll take a look at the week ahead and look back on what you may have missed last week. RATE BLAME GAME — Electric rates for New Jersey power customers went up nearly 20 percent on June 1, and lawmakers and state utility regulators are still trying to figure out what to do. Despite several months of legislative hearings, committee work and floor votes, no new legislation to tackle the issue has reached Gov. Phil Murphy's desk. The Board of Public Utilities has asked for, but has yet to formally consider, plans by utilities to help cushion the blow and it seems likely that additional rate relief could come in the budget. Meanwhile, the blame game continues. The latest salvos came when environmental activists protested outside PJM's headquarters last week with signs like, 'Bills too high? PJM is why,' to which PJM responded that the groups were 'protesting the results of their own actions' and said the protest was an exercise in 'blame shifting.' So, FWIW, a quick recap of who is blaming who: PJM: The grid operator whose auction last summer was responsible for the bulk of the rate increases cited a supply-demand crunch it's long warned about, state clean energy policies that haven't panned out with new generation and local permitting challenges that keep projects from getting built. Gov. Phil Murphy and most Democrats have attacked PJM, largely citing the backlog of energy projects PJM has been unable to handle, delaying the construction of new power plants by years. 'In New Jersey, we're doing our part by bringing new resources to the market and making electricity more affordable for families and businesses as we look to a clean and resilient energy future,' the governor said in a statement last fall. 'However, our grid operator must work in lockstep with the states and recognize that the market isn't responding quickly enough due to current conditions of slow interconnection.' Some Democrats have also attacked utility companies, which are not responsible for generation costs in New Jersey, and the BPU itself. 'The BPU has become a dumping ground for politicians,' Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop said during a recent gubernatorial primary debate. Republicans have criticized the BPU and the Murphy administration generally, in particular the governor's focus on offshore wind — a bet that didn't pan out, leaving the state starved of major new generation sources. Some Republicans have also criticized Murphy administration efforts to cushion the blow of cost increases, calling the timing of ideas to defer and spread out the rate hikes a political stunt, since it would keep bills from spiking before the election even though it would not actually save money for customers. Utilities have tried to distance themselves from the rate increases, which are beyond their control in New Jersey, but that is an uphill battle, since the higher bills will come with their names on them. They have also raised their hands to build new power plants, if lawmakers felt inclined to undo the 1999 law that broke up vertically integrated utilities. Merchant power companies who sell the power that is costing more argue that bills have been rising due to transmission and distribution costs, which utility companies do control. — Ry Rivard SAA WHAT — POLITICO's Ry Rivard: Jersey Central Power & Light is about to spend $380 million on transmission projects meant to bring offshore wind power ashore — but first the company is asking the Board of Public Utilities whether the state is sure it wants the work done. In 2022, the BPU approved $1 billion in onshore grid upgrades meant to accommodate future wind farms. (For those following closely, these are the State Agreement Approach projects PJM keeps talking about, also known as SAA.) But now the offshore wind industry is in turmoil, with every project that New Jersey had been planning for dead or delayed. In a May 23 regulatory filing made public on Wednesday, JCP&L is curious whether it still has the green light to build projects to support the industry given 'new facts and circumstances.' The company said it needs this guidance primarily because of the Trump administration's opposition to offshore wind in the state, but also because of delays in getting necessary local permits and a pause in the approval process for a low-interest federal loan worth up to $716 million. The company is currently supposed to begin construction on hundreds of millions of dollars in projects this summer. HAPPY MONDAY MORNING: Let us know if you have tips, story ideas or life advice. We're always here at mfrench@ and rrivard@ And if you like this letter, please tell a friend and/or loved one to sign up. Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You'll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day's biggest stories. Here's what we're watching: TUESDAY— The Department of Environmental Conservation holds a hearing on 'cap and invest' reporting rules, 1 p.m., DEC Region 7 Headquarters, 5786 Widewaters Parkway, Syracuse. Environmental advocates will hold a press conference before the hearing at noon. WEDNESDAY— The Department of Environmental Conservation holds a hearing on 'cap and invest' reporting rules, 1 p.m., DEC Central Office, 625 Broadway, Albany. Environmental groups hold a press conference beforehand, noon. THURSDAY— Environmental groups hold a rally in support of NY HEAT, 10 a.m., Albany. AROUND NEW YORK — Sen. Liz Krueger floats a regional approach to transitioning the gas system. TBD if this trial balloon sinks or rises. — DEMS: FUND BOEM: Democrats, including Reps. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) and Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), are pushing for 'robust funding' so the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management can do 'timely review and permitting of offshore wind projects,' despite the Trump administration efforts to halt offshore wind development. In a recent letter to the chair and ranking members of the House's Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Subcommittee, 17 Democrats said 'supporting offshore wind is a national security imperative.' — Ry Rivard Around New Jersey — The Sierra Club endorsed Rep. Mikie Sherrill's campaign for governor on Friday. Ben Jealous, the Sierra Club's executive director, called the Democrat 'a critical voice for protecting public health and lowering costs.' — Flooding could lead to migration. AROUND THE NATION DOE STOPS SECOND PLANT FROM CLOSING: The federal Energy Department invoked emergency powers Friday to again keep a power plant operating ahead of its planned closure. The department's emergency order directs the region's grid operator, PJM Interconnection, to ensure units at the Eddystone generating station stay running in order to minimize the risk of power outages. The plant, located south of Philadelphia, had been slated to close Saturday. The order points to statements from PJM that its system faces 'growing resource adequacy concern,' in part due to load growth and the retirement of dispatchable resources. The planned retirement of Unit 3 and Unit 4 — each with 380 MW capacity — 'will exacerbate these resource adequacy issues,' the order said. The units can run on either natural gas or oil, depending on market conditions, according to operator Constellation Energy. PJM said in a statement that it supported the move, calling it a 'prudent, term-limited step that will retain the covered generators for a 90-day period' and allow further analysis on the longer-term need and viability of the generators. The order comes days after the department similarly invoked an emergency to keep a coal plant in Michigan running this summer. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, speaking at the Reagan National Economic Forum on Friday, touted that action and pointed to recent blackouts in Louisiana. 'That's why we don't want to just go around closing firm, reliable power plants because it's fashionable,' he said. Kit Kennedy, power sector managing director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said the actions 'to keep these zombie plants online' were about 'a power grab; not a power emergency.' — Kelsey Tamborrino ICYMI: The Conversation kicked off with Dr. Oz In the premiere episode of The Conversation, Dasha Burns sat down with Dr. Mehmet Oz — now leading the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services — for a candid talk on drug prices, potential Medicaid cuts and why he's getting early morning calls from President Donald Trump. Plus, POLITICO's Jonathan Martin dished on the Ohio governor's race (featuring Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy and former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel), and Kyle Cheney unpacked Trump's legal battle over 'Liberation Day' tariffs. Watch the full episode on YouTube. And don't miss a moment — subscribe now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to get new episodes when they drop. What you may have missed PIPELINE PROJECTS RELAUNCHED — POLITICO's Marie J. French: Two major interstate pipelines to boost gas supply in the Northeast have been resurrected, setting up a test of New York's climate law. Pipeline developer Williams Companies announced Thursday that it's moving forward with both the Constitution and Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline projects, which were previously rejected by former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The pipelines have been a major priority for President Donald Trump. Gov. Kathy Hochul has signaled openness to new gas pipelines, including during talks with Trump about restarting construction of an offshore wind project. 'My message is what I told the president: it's that I will make sure that any applicant for a pipeline — or any energy project — follows all state, local and federal law,' Hochul told reporters Thursday. 'That being said, we can look at this expansively — also consider the benefits at a time when energy costs are through the roof.' 'I have to look at this in a different lens and I'll continue being committed to our climate goals — I believe in them — but also the realization that we have to be more open-minded and expansive,' she added. 'They will have to follow our laws.' Her office has said there was no agreement on a pipeline linked to the Empire Wind restart. New York's climate law requires major emissions reductions that rest on electrifying buildings and cutting the use of natural gas. Environmental groups argue any new gas supply flies in the face of those requirements. Hochul, just after she became governor, blocked permits for two natural gas power plants and cited the state's climate law. But she's become more focused on affordability and reliability issues as those concerns have grown in recent years. Last year, she approved increased gas supply via an existing pipeline that state experts found was needed for reliability. — Phil DeCicco, National Grid's general counsel for New York, said, 'We understand Williams has submitted a permit application for the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project. We will continue to work closely with our regulator as well as state and federal partners to evaluate all options to address the region's growing and critical energy needs.' — FROM THE NOTEBOOK: The governor said she 'went to the mat' on Empire Wind over concerns about energy needs in New York City. 'I have said I'm open to nuclear,' she said on Thursday. 'That may be a radical thought to people but I need to power this state, take the economic burden and the cost off my citizens and my residents, but also be able to prepare for the innovation and the jobs that are coming here.' CLEAN FUEL STANDARD PUSH — POLITICO's Marie J. French: Democratic state lawmakers and environmental advocates are pushing a controversial policy to promote low-carbon fuels in the waning days of the Albany legislative session. The concept has been kicking around Albany for years, and the debate over it remains contentious. The renewed push behind a low-carbon fuel standard is facing an uphill battle in the Assembly, but supporters are now pressing for the market-based policy as the Trump administration moves to erase California's clean car rules, which New York adopted. 'New York has to lead,' said Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters, at an Albany press conference this week. 'We cannot let four years go by without taking real action to transition away from fossil fuels and Washington, D.C. is not going to help.' The state's climate law requires a dramatic ratcheting down of greenhouse gas emissions, including an 85 percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2050. New York is not expected to meet the near-term 40 percent reduction target by 2030. Transportation is one of the largest sources of emissions in New York, but the Legislature has implemented few policies to address the sector in recent years. The state did adopt regulations — enshrined in law — to mandate an increasing level of electric vehicle sales. Those clean car rules face an uncertain future though, after Congress voted earlier this month to overturn the ability of California and other states to implement the program. ICYMI: BUS TERMINAL — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy met in Hell's Kitchen Thursday afternoon for a ceremonial groundbreaking to replace the Port Authority bus terminal. There was no love lost for the 70-year-old building that Hochul called 'basically a hellhole' and Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority, said is 'one of the most reviled buildings in America.' For decades, there has been talk about replacing the bus terminal but plans went nowhere. Now, though, the two states are on the same page — thanks largely to a functional Port Authority with former New Jersey state Sen. Kevin O'Toole as chair and Cotton at the helm. (Amazing aside: O'Toole said every Port Authority vote in the past eight years has been unanimous.) Plus, the money for the $10 billion, decade-long project seems to be there — $6 billion from the Port Authority, nearly $2 billion from the federal government and another $2 billion expected from city payment in lieu of taxes. 'This will be a transportation hub that welcomes travelers,' Murphy said. Roughly 200,000 NJ Transit commuters — far more than take the agency's trains — use the bus terminal each weekday. The first phase of construction is a staging area for construction and buses that, when the new terminal is built, will be turned into a playground. Spotted at the announcement: Rep. Jerry Nadler, state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, City Council Member Erik Bottcher, building trades leader Gary LaBarbera and First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro — but not his boss, Mayor Eric Adams. — Ry Rivard SENATE TAKES ON PLASTICS: The Senate passed a sweeping measure to reduce plastics and packaging waste on Wednesday evening. The measure, which would also eventually ban certain toxic chemicals from packaging, faces intense opposition from the chemicals and packaged foods industry. Opponents say the bill will raise consumer costs and make some convenient packaged foods unavailable on store shelves in New York. Those concerns are gaining traction with some Assembly Democrats, who worry about affordability. The Senate passed the packaging bill last year — but it did not get to a vote in the Assembly, where it faces a tougher path. Assemblymember Deborah Glick, who sponsors the bill, last week said she remained 'guardedly optimistic' it would pass this session. She said the study circulated by business groups showing higher consumer costs included products that aren't covered in the bill. Consumer Reports found there's no evidence it will result in cost increases and a Columbia University report found a potential $4 monthly increase, a point Sen. Pete Harckham raised during the Senate debate. He also cited savings for local governments by shifting recycling costs onto producers, although there's nothing requiring municipalities to cut taxes. 'This bill is not designed to put direct cash in people's pockets, but there are also going to be health saving costs,' Harckham said. Republican lawmakers raised concerns about companies being unable to comply with some of the bans on specific chemicals in packaging. Harckham said there's a waiver process available. 'They're saying the technology doesn't exist for a lot of the mandates that are in this legislation,' said Republican state Sen. Dan Stec. 'This is going to cost our residents.' Business groups have pushed an alternative bill that would give companies more control over reduction efforts and doesn't ban any chemicals from packaging. 'The problem with some of their packaging is that it's got toxic substances that are going to leach into our food,' Glick said. The ban on specific chemicals doesn't take full effect for five years, when DEC will set a limit that is the lowest achievable level. 'We understand we're up against big money but I think that we either have to do something to protect the public in a very minor way or just fold up the tent and let the industry do whatever it wants,' she added. — Marie J. French STATE FINALLY PLANS FOR EV CHARGING: New York is setting up an interagency working group to supercharge the state's efforts to electrify vehicles. The group will be tasked with developing a coordinated strategy to deploy EV charging infrastructure, including fast chargers on highways by leveraging new funding approved in the state budget. The working group will try to maximize usage of state-owned property for charging stations. The new working group comes after federal action to roll back California's sales mandates for electric cars and trucks that New York has adopted. The Department of Environmental Conservation is offering a two-year delay of any penalties under the program, which California plans to sue to uphold. The group will also consider how to address grid reliability as EV adoption increases and support commercial fleets creating transition plans — issues the Department of Public Service has been working on for years. Gov. Kathy Hochul last year vetoed a measure requiring the state to craft a fast charging station plan. — Marie J. French CONGESTION PRICING GETS MORE GOOD NEWS — The federal judge who issued a temporary order on Tuesday preventing the Trump administration from killing New York's congestion pricing went one step further on Wednesday. In a second ruling this week, U.S. District Court Judge Lewis Liman issued an order that keeps congestion pricing alive until he rules on broader issues in the case. Those issues — largely whether Trump Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has the authority to unilaterally cancel the program — will not be teed up for him until fall and Liman expects to rule 'before the end of the year.' To be clear: The injunction is a major victory for the MTA and congestion pricing supporters and an indication that Liman is persuaded by New York's arguments against the Trump administration. Duffy's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. — Ry Rivard
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PSE&G Proposes New Solutions To Help Customers Dealing With Upcoming Energy Price Increases
PSE&G files updated proposal to offer additional short-term assistance, while standing ready for long-term solutions NEWARK, N.J., May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PSE&G today announced that it is amending its May 7, 2025 filing with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to provide additional short-term relief for mitigating the impact of recent significant increases in electric supply costs caused by PJM's high capacity market prices. In the filing, PSE&G is responding to requests for temporary solutions from Gov. Phil Murphy issued in a press release yesterday, in addition to a one-time waiver of carrying costs for credits that might be issued this summer, pending BPU action. "As Gov. Murphy said yesterday in his press release, utilities are not the cause of the unexpected rise in utility rates, but we have a role to play in providing options to assist our customers," said Kim Hanemann, president and COO, PSE&G. "PSE&G works closely with our customers and communities to help ensure they have access to programs that fit their needs to manage their bills. We will continue to work with policymakers on short-term solutions to assist our customers while working with the state on long-term solutions, including the need for more generation." For decades, PSE&G has worked with customers, and with nonprofits and community organizations who work with utility customers, to raise awareness, educate and inform customers about energy assistance options. In recent years, PSE&G has participated in hundreds of events across the state and communicated directly to customers through the mail and online about the programs and support available to help manage bills. Short-term solutions filed with the BPUIn response to requests made in Gov. Phil Murphy's May 14 press release, and as they relate to the May 7 BPU filings he noted in his press release, PSE&G requests the BPU approve: The implementation of an expansion of the Winter Termination Program, which provides utility shut-off protection to low-income and vulnerable individuals. The suspension of reconnection fees. The voluntary removal of its carrying charges for a temporary credit beginning on July 1, 2025 to offset the electric bill increases that will occur this summer. Carrying charges are the cost that the company will incur when delaying collection of the supply cost increase PSE&G pays to the suppliers. PSE&G is proud of its track record of maintaining customer affordability and award-winning reliable service. PSE&G bills are nearly equivalent to 2008 levels when adjusted for inflation. PSE&G works hard to keep customer bills as low as possible and this has resulted in PSE&G being a top performer nationally in affordability. May 7 filing with the BPU In compliance with the BPU's order dated April 23, 2025, PSE&G's May 7 filing describes options for the creation of a Temporary Supply Offset Clause ("TSOC"), a temporary credit beginning on July 1, 2025 to offset the electric bill increases that will occur this summer, bill increases that largely stem from the July 2024 PJM Base Residual Auction. As indicated in the May 7 filing, the three options included a 100% offsetting credit, a 50% offsetting credit and a 25% offsetting credit, which were based on guidance from BPU Staff. Long-term solutions needed While PSE&G has been warning for several years about the supply and demand imbalance in the PJM region, we remain committed to working with stakeholders in government regarding long-term solutions to these significant rate increases, including policy and legal changes to encourage the development of new generation. PSE&G customer assistance PSE&G works directly with its customers, and with nonprofits and community organizations who work with utility customers, to inform them about energy assistance options. These efforts are designed to provide access to information on a range of energy efficiency and affordability offerings – from rebates and discounts to programs for small businesses and corporations. PSE&G's energy efficiency programs provide free assessments to help make customer's homes or businesses more efficient, and lower energy use year-round. As of this past February, over 415,000 customers benefitted from programs that reduced energy consumption and lowered bills. On an annual basis, participants saved nearly $640 million. Last year, PSE&G made improvements to better identify and reach customers who are most likely eligible for energy assistance programs and affordability options. In the end, approximately 226,000 customers received more than $265 million in support and assistance from these and other outreach initiatives. We estimate that another 100,000 customers are eligible for these programs but have yet to reach out. PSE&G provides information regarding affordability options that customers may qualify for based on certain criteria like income eligibility (i.e. the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), or SHARES for customers who may be experiencing a temporary financial crisis). There are also additional bill payment tools to help customers manage costs, including PSE&G's Equal Payment Plan and Deferred Payment Arrangements. PSE&G's Equal Payment Plan estimates annual energy costs, and divides bills into 12 equal monthly payments, which allows customers to levelize their monthly spend expectations. Deferred Payment Arrangements allow customers to pay a portion of past-due balances over an agreed-upon period. PSE&G is promoting affordability and bill management programs in person through its customer service centers and call center, while also educating customers through a multichannel communication that includes bilingual emails, social media, newsletters, bill inserts, direct mail, media interviews and webinars and events with our community partners. Customers can also find valuable energy assistance information at and PSE&GPublic Service Electric & Gas Co. is New Jersey's oldest and largest gas and electric delivery public utility, as well as one of the nation's largest utilities. PSE&G has won the ReliabilityOne® Award for superior electric system reliability in the Mid-Atlantic region for 23 consecutive years. For the third consecutive year, PSE&G is the recipient of the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award in the Energy Efficiency Program Delivery category. In addition, in 2024 J.D. Power named PSE&G number one in customer satisfaction with residential electric service and gas service in the east among large utilities. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc., (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a predominantly regulated infrastructure company focused on a clean energy future and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for 17 consecutive years ( Forward-Looking StatementsThis release includes forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding anticipated or expected energy savings, cost saving and greenhouse gas emissions avoidance. There can be no assurance that such energy and costs savings and greenhouse gas emissions avoidance will be realized in the amounts described and / or in the timeframes anticipated. Such statements are based on management's beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management but are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Factors that may cause actual results to differ include, without limitation: the ability to implement our energy efficiency business strategy, and customer adoption of our energy efficiency offerings. All forward-looking statements made in this release are qualified by these cautionary statements and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements The forward-looking statements contained in this Report are intended to qualify for the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Visit PSEG at: PSEG on Facebook PSEG on Twitter PSEG on LinkedIn CONTACT:Media RelationsMarijke View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Public Service Electric & Gas Company (PSE&G) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NJ Governor Murphy proposes solutions to rising utility costs
TRENTON, N.J. – AJ Shah and his son, Eric, own an engineering business in Bridgewater. With a little more than two weeks to go until a statewide utility rate hike, they say they have little to do. 'I don't have a choice,' said AJ Shah. 'I'm not cutting down, so I'm just going to pay more, that's it. I'm going to cut somewhere, so of course I'm going to cut money somewhere else but that's one I don't have control.' More Local News 'Not good, right?' said Eric Shah. 'It's already been going up, I'd rather have it back down or back the way it was years ago.' On Wednesday, Governor Phil Murphy announced a suite of executive actions to address electricity prices. Per his Administration, he is urging New Jersey's electric utilities to: Voluntarily expand the Winter Termination Program, which prevents service disconnections in the winter months, to July-September, which JCP&L included in their filing, and; Suspend reconnection fees to a certain date past the summer peak usage months. Other actions include: Directing the NJBPU to evaluate all available funding and programming to stabilize utility bills, Directing the NJBPU to expedite opening another Competitive Solar Incentive Program Solicitation and Community Solar Energy Program Capacity Block by the end of 2025. Directing the NJBPU to open a new proceeding on resource adequacy. Within this proceeding, BPU will: Evaluate proposals to swiftly bring more generation online. Continue to determine how New Jersey can best achieve its reliability, equity, and clean energy objectives while keeping costs to consumers as low as possible, and whether New Jersey best serves the regional capacity market administered by PJM Interconnection. Identify policy opportunities to mitigate increased ratepayer costs due to demand growth driven by data center proliferation in the PJM region. 'While the utilities are not responsible for the rate increases, they have a responsibility to protect ratepayers,' Murphy said in a statement. 'It's clear that New Jersey's four hometown electric utilities need to deliver more reasonable options. We ask that utilities share the load and commit to being part of the solution to the PJM cost crisis. These utilities have reaped billions in profits over the last ten years. My administration will continue to identify and put all options on the table to mitigate rate increases.' In response to Murphy, Atlantic City Electric, which covers much of Southern New Jersey, told PIX11 News a statement: 'We share Governor Murphy's affordability concerns as we head into the summer months. While utility companies in New Jersey do not generate their own energy, do not set the price of electricity, and do not profit from these increases, we fully understand that rising energy costs stemming from PJM's 2024 Capacity Auction are a challenge for our customers. That is why our plan submitted to the BPU last week included deferring costs past the summer months to help soften the impact. Atlantic City Electric is currently reviewing the governor's announcement, but we remain committed to working together with Governor Murphy, the BPU, other utilities, PJM, generators, and customers, to be part of a path forward that supports the area's growing energy needs and manages bill impacts, while continuing to provide safe, reliable and resilient energy to our customers. Meanwhile, we will continue to offer a comprehensive energy efficiency program, rebates for energy efficient HVAC equipment and appliances, discounted energy saving products, flexible payment arrangements, and an Assistance Finder tool to help qualifying customers access various local, state, and federal energy assistance programs.' More Local News PIX11 also received a statement from Rockland Electric Company, which serves parts of Bergen, Passaic and Sussex Counies: 'As we approach the summer months, Rockland Electric Company is committed to working with the BPU to keep bills affordable for our customers in northern New Jersey,' said Michele O'Connell, Rockland Electric Company president and CEO. 'We work with all our customers, connecting them to various programs designed to help them lower the costs of their bills and become more energy efficient.' JCP&L spokesman Chris Hoenig told PIX11 News: 'JCP&L understands the concerns that many New Jersey families are facing due to increasing rates from electric suppliers. While it is not JCP&L's delivery rates that are rising, we include and collect these charges on the monthly electric bills, and we are committed to assisting our customers through this time. In fact, JCP&L proposed the expansion of the winter shutoff moratorium to incorporate peak summer use months in our recent filing to the Board of Public Utilities. We encourage our customers to reach out to us if they are having trouble paying their bill, so that we can connect them with available assistance or payment plans. Our energy assistance outreach teams will continue to get out into the communities we serve. We also encourage our customers to utilize our energy efficiency programs, which consist of programs that offer easy to implement tips as well as large-scale, whole home offerings, giving customers the power to take control over their energy use.' Anthony D'Aniello, owner of Manville Pizza, says energy is his biggest monthly expense. He shays he wouldn't be surprised if businesses like his, at some point, end up passing the cost onto the customer. 'We can only absorb it so much as a retailer,' said D'Aniello. 'You guys are going to see it something as simple as pizza as well.' Rates are set to go up on June 1st. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Wire
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
New Jersey American Water and Salem City Celebrate Groundbreaking of New Water Infrastructure and PFAS Treatment System
SALEM, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- New Jersey American Water and the City of Salem, today, broke ground on a major new infrastructure project that will enhance water quality and public health for thousands of local residents in Salem, NJ. The event marked the start of construction on a state-of-the-art PFAS removal system at the Salem Water Treatment Plant—a critical investment to help ensure safe, clean and reliable drinking water service for communities served by the plant. The ceremony brought together New Jersey American Water leadership, local elected officials, and key community stakeholders to celebrate the inauguration of a PFAS mitigation project—to be completed within an accelerated 18-month timeline—that underscores New Jersey American Water's ability to swiftly deliver innovative, health-focused solutions with long-term benefits for Salem and its residents. 'This is a turning point for Salem,' said Dr. Jody Veler, Mayor of Salem City. 'Our community deserves clean water, and we are proud to see this partnership with New Jersey American Water delivering results that will make a lasting difference.' 'We are proud to partner with the City of Salem to deliver a timely solution to remove 'forever chemicals' from drinking water and restore community trust,' said Mark McDonough New Jersey American Water President. 'This project reflects our long-term commitment to safe and affordable water service and meaningful investment in communities that make them stronger.' 'This facility doesn't just help local residents, but it sets the stage for the state of New Jersey,' said Zenon Christodoulou, Commissioner, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. 'This issue will not go away easily, but starting today, in this town, it will begin to go away, thanks to your combined efforts… Our job at the BPU is to make sure that we provide safe and affordable service for all of our residents… and on behalf of the BPU, you have made our job infinitely easier. With great optimism, we look to the future.' 'My DEP colleagues and I congratulate New Jersey American Water on the groundbreaking of this treatment plant,' Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. 'Across New Jersey, the DEP is working with water systems both large and small to install advanced treatment systems to remove PFAS while also taking strong legal actions to hold accountable those companies that are responsible for this pollution.' In just the first year since taking ownership of the Salem water and wastewater systems in June of 2024, New Jersey American Water has already invested over $1 million into the water system and another $2.5 million into the wastewater system—with plans to invest nearly $48.8 million over the next five years. These investments will support system upgrades, environmental compliance, and enhanced service reliability across the region. About New Jersey American Water New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.9 million people. For more information, visit and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Jersey American Water and Salem City Celebrate Groundbreaking of New Water Infrastructure and PFAS Treatment System
SALEM, N.J., May 14, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New Jersey American Water and the City of Salem, today, broke ground on a major new infrastructure project that will enhance water quality and public health for thousands of local residents in Salem, NJ. The event marked the start of construction on a state-of-the-art PFAS removal system at the Salem Water Treatment Plant—a critical investment to help ensure safe, clean and reliable drinking water service for communities served by the plant. The ceremony brought together New Jersey American Water leadership, local elected officials, and key community stakeholders to celebrate the inauguration of a PFAS mitigation project—to be completed within an accelerated 18-month timeline—that underscores New Jersey American Water's ability to swiftly deliver innovative, health-focused solutions with long-term benefits for Salem and its residents. "This is a turning point for Salem," said Dr. Jody Veler, Mayor of Salem City. "Our community deserves clean water, and we are proud to see this partnership with New Jersey American Water delivering results that will make a lasting difference." "We are proud to partner with the City of Salem to deliver a timely solution to remove 'forever chemicals' from drinking water and restore community trust," said Mark McDonough New Jersey American Water President. "This project reflects our long-term commitment to safe and affordable water service and meaningful investment in communities that make them stronger." "This facility doesn't just help local residents, but it sets the stage for the state of New Jersey," said Zenon Christodoulou, Commissioner, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. "This issue will not go away easily, but starting today, in this town, it will begin to go away, thanks to your combined efforts… Our job at the BPU is to make sure that we provide safe and affordable service for all of our residents… and on behalf of the BPU, you have made our job infinitely easier. With great optimism, we look to the future." "My DEP colleagues and I congratulate New Jersey American Water on the groundbreaking of this treatment plant," Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. "Across New Jersey, the DEP is working with water systems both large and small to install advanced treatment systems to remove PFAS while also taking strong legal actions to hold accountable those companies that are responsible for this pollution." In just the first year since taking ownership of the Salem water and wastewater systems in June of 2024, New Jersey American Water has already invested over $1 million into the water system and another $2.5 million into the wastewater system—with plans to invest nearly $48.8 million over the next five years. These investments will support system upgrades, environmental compliance, and enhanced service reliability across the region. About New Jersey American WaterNew Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.9 million people. For more information, visit and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram. View source version on Contacts Erin BanesSenior Manager, External CommunicationsNew Jersey American Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
