JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Jackson Township Council is voicing strong opposition to Jersey Central Power & Light’s (JCP&L) proposed 17-20% electricity rate increase set to take effect in the summer of 2025. The council argues the hike would place an undue financial burden on residents already struggling with rising costs due to persistent inflation, high food prices, and economic pressures that have lingered since the previous administration of President Joe Biden.
Council President Jennifer Kuhn condemned the proposed increase, citing its potential impact on the township’s large senior and underserved populations.
“Many of our residents are on fixed incomes and simply cannot absorb another drastic utility rate hike,” Kuhn said. “This is an unfair burden on our community, particularly those who can least afford it. JCP&L needs to reconsider this increase and explore more sustainable alternatives.”
Vice President Mordechai Burnstein emphasized the economic strain on working families and small businesses.
“At a time when Jackson residents are already paying more for groceries, gas, and everyday essentials, a 20% spike in electricity rates is unacceptable,” Burnstein said. “This increase is not just unreasonable—it is reckless and shows a complete disregard for the financial well-being of the people who depend on reliable and affordable power.”
At recent council meetings, residents complained about JCP&L’s service, including outages, and malfunction and non-working traffic lights. Township officials said they have been asking the utility company to make the necessary repairs, but they can’t do more than ask at this time.
One resident suggested auditing the number of malfunctioning traffic lights to make sure the taxpayers aren’t paying for lights that are not working.
Councilman Giuseppe Palmeri pointed to broader economic trends, arguing that state and federal policies have contributed to rising costs, and residents should not have to shoulder additional financial hardship. “Inflation has squeezed household budgets for years, and now JCP&L wants to add another expense that families simply cannot afford,” Palmeri said. “It’s time for state regulators to step in and stop this from moving forward.”
Councilman Nino Borrelli called on the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to reject the proposal outright. “JCP&L’s planned rate hike is an outrageous attempt to take more money from hardworking New Jerseyans,” Borrelli said. “Jackson Township stands firmly against this proposal, and we urge state regulators to protect the people they serve by preventing this unnecessary and harmful increase.”
The Jackson Township Council will continue advocating against the rate hike and plans to work with state and county officials and other affected municipalities to challenge the proposal.
Residents are encouraged to voice their concerns to the BPU and demand that JCP&L reconsider its decision before it negatively impacts thousands of households in Jackson and beyond.