STATE OF NEW JERSEY
Division of The Ratepayer Advocate
31 Clinton Street, 11th Fl.
P. O. Box 46005
Newark, New Jersey 07101
JON
CORZINE Governor |
|
SEEMA
M. SINGH, Esq. |
Press Release
For
Immediate Release February 9, 2006 |
For
Further Information |
N.J. Ratepayer Advocate Seema Singh Comments on 2006 Basic Generation Services Electric Auction Results
Newark, N.J.—The New Jersey Ratepayer Advocate, Seema M. Singh, today issued
the following statement on the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announcement
of the results of the Basic Generation Services (BGS) auction of electric power:
“I am disappointed, but not surprised that the 2006 Basic Generation Services auction of electric power results show increases that range from 12 to 13.7 percent among New Jersey’s four electric distribution utilities. I had hoped that it would be lower because these increases in rates will be difficult for ratepayers to handle, particularly on top of other increases in energy costs. I strongly urge consumers to embrace conservation practices to help offset this change. This is the only way ratepayers can guarantee savings in these times of high energy prices.”
The average monthly bill will increase by the following:
• Public Service
Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) increased 13.7 percent with the average
customer paying $9.91 more.
• Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) increased 12.4 percent with the
average customer paying $11.88 more.
• Rockland Electric Company (RECO) increased 12 percent with the average customer
paying $13.48 more.
• Atlantic City Electric Company (ACECO) increased 12.54 percent with the average
customer paying $12.62 more.
Singh also
commented that the increases were due to rising energy costs overall, particularly
in natural gas that is used to fuel many electric power plants.
Singh said consumers can contact the Ratepayer Advocate office for a free copy
of the Consumer Conservation Handbook, which has energy-saving tips for the
home and outdoors. Consumers can call 973-648-2690 or download the handbook
at www.rpa.state.nj.us.
The Division of the Ratepayer Advocate is an independent state agency that
represents the interests of consumers of electric, natural gas, water/sewer
and telecommunications and cable TV service. It serves as an active participant
in every proceeding whenever New Jersey companies seek changes in rates or services.
The Ratepayer Advocate also gives consumers a voice in setting long-range energy,
water, and telecommunications policy that will affect the delivery of services
well into the future. Additional information on this and other matters
can be found at the Division of Ratepayer Advocate’s website at http://www.rpa.state.nj.us