TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Ocean County Board of Commissioners is demanding that a Jersey Shore resident be appointed to the state’s Board of Public Utilities (BPU), citing population growth, planned wind turbines, and ongoing issues with power outages and rate hikes.
Joseph H. Vicari, Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, said, “It’s imperative we finally get a seat at the table to make sure the concerns of our residents are heard.” The board passed a resolution on Sept. 20 urging Gov. Murphy and the Senate to appoint a resident from Ocean County or the Jersey Shore to the BPU.
Currently, there is an open seat on the BPU, with other seats occupied by members from areas like Morris and Somerset counties. In the absence of a full-time member from the Jersey Shore, Vicari suggests that the BPU should at least designate a liaison or alternate members to represent the area.
The BPU oversees regulated utilities, ensuring safe and reasonable service for customers throughout New Jersey. Vicari emphasized the unique challenges faced by coastal communities, especially given Ocean County’s year-round population of 680,000, which swells to more than 1.3 million during the warmer months. About 200,000 seniors also reside in Ocean County.
Vicari stressed the importance of reliable utility services for the growing population, saying, “Our residents, visitors, and businesses must be confident that utilities are working properly.” He also mentioned the controversial wind turbines planned for the Atlantic Ocean as another critical topic that needs local representation on the BPU.
The Board’s resolution will be sent to the mayors of all 33 municipalities in Ocean County. Vicari urged local governments to join the call for representation on the BPU. “It’s important we join together to get this done,” he said.