As we find ourselves in the midst of a scorching summer in Toms River, our community is grappling with a distressing challenge: rapidly rising electric bills and an alarming increase in power outages. These issues are hitting our senior citizens particularly hard, and it’s imperative that the State Legislature addresses the profound impact this is having on their lives.
Recently, I was shocked to receive an electric bill for my household that totaled $638. While my family can manage this cost, I know that many families in our town, especially seniors, cannot. This is especially troubling given that many elderly residents rely on electric-powered medical equipment. For them, even a short power outage can turn into a dire situation, compromising their health and safety.
Residents of Holiday City, where many homes primarily use electric heating systems, are already feeling the strain during this summer heat. Not only are they facing soaring bills now, but they are also looking ahead with dread to the winter months when their heating costs will rise as well. Most of these individuals are on fixed incomes, forced to choose between essential expenses like food and medications or paying their electric bills. It’s simply unacceptable that our seniors should have to make that kind of choice.
Several factors contribute to these skyrocketing electric prices, but the primary causes are due to increasing demand and decreasing supply. In light of these challenges, it is vital for both Democrats and Republicans in the state legislature to come together and find workable solutions. Democrats must reconsider their opposition to fossil fuels and nuclear power, while Republicans should be open to integrating renewable energy sources like wind and solar into our energy portfolio. A balanced mix of energy resources is essential to safeguard our future. Furthermore, we must invest in modernizing our electric grid to ensure consistent and reliable power supply, especially during these peak demand seasons.
The state’s budget has ballooned to nearly double what it was when the governor took office. It is crucial that they use some of this revenue judiciously to support power companies in upgrading infrastructure and diversifying energy generation—from natural gas and nuclear to wind and solar, we must invest to increase supply.
As your mayor, I am dedicated to advocating for our senior citizens and all residents facing challenges from these rising electric costs and outages. It is time for us to unite and push for meaningful legislative reforms that protect our community. I encourage residents to engage in this vital conversation and advocate for a sustainable energy future that ensures all families can thrive without the fear of overwhelming utility bills during the hottest months of the year.
Signed,
Mayor Dan Rodrick
Toms River, New Jersey