The Ocean County Board of Commissioners has urged Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) to address ongoing service issues and reconsider recent rate increases. In June, JCP&L customers saw their average monthly bills rise by about 20 percent, with the typical bill increasing from $112.25 to as much as $134.92.
Commissioner Deputy Director Frank Sadeghi expressed concern that higher utility costs could place significant strain on local families. “Too many of our residents are already struggling to make ends meet,” said Sadeghi. “When utility bills go up by this much, families may have to decide between keeping the lights on, buying food, or paying for medicine. That is simply unacceptable.”
Officials also highlighted a pattern of frequent and extended power outages in the area. They noted that JCP&L has often declined to reimburse customers for losses such as spoiled food resulting from these outages.
“JCP&L needs to concentrate less on profits and more on serving its customers,” said Sadeghi. “That means upgrading the infrastructure, trimming trees to prevent falling limbs from taking down power lines, and moving more lines underground where they will be protected from storms and high winds.”
The Board called for JCP&L to complete overdue upgrades to its power grid infrastructure, warning that failure to do so could leave the region vulnerable during severe weather events.
“We all remember Superstorm Sandy,” said Sadeghi. “Ocean County experienced widespread outages then, and the same thing will happen again if a hurricane strikes and JCP&L is not better prepared. We cannot allow history to repeat itself.”
Sadeghi reaffirmed the Board’s intent to advocate for residents’ access to reliable and affordable electricity services.
“Utility companies must be held accountable,” said Sadeghi. “Ocean County residents deserve better than broken promises and rising bills. JCP&L must step up, strengthen its system, and put its customers first.”
