TOMS RIVER — Ocean County Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen is voicing strong opposition to a proposed water and wastewater rate increase sought by New Jersey American Water, warning that the plan could place an unfair financial burden on residents, particularly seniors, veterans, and working-class families already grappling with rising costs.
New Jersey American Water has petitioned the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for approval to raise rates in order to fund approximately $1.4 billion in system upgrades across the state. If approved, the proposal would raise the average household water bill by an estimated $18 per month. Ellenbogen argued that residents should not be treated as a blank check for large-scale infrastructure investments while a private utility continues to generate profits.
According to Ellenbogen, the timing of the proposed increase is especially troubling for Ocean County, where many residents live on fixed incomes. He said even relatively modest monthly increases can create serious financial strain for households already facing higher prices for food, housing, healthcare, and other necessities. Ellenbogen also questioned whether the utility has done enough to control costs internally before seeking additional revenue from ratepayers.
“Ocean County is home to a large population of seniors, veterans, and residents on fixed incomes, and even modest increases can create real financial strain,” Ellenbogen said. “We want to ensure local concerns are clearly heard before any final decisions are made.”
County officials acknowledged the importance of maintaining safe and reliable water and wastewater infrastructure but emphasized that affordability must remain a central consideration during the rate review process. They stressed that infrastructure improvements should not come at the expense of vulnerable populations without full transparency and accountability.
“The County supports responsible investment in essential services, but residents should not be asked to shoulder significant increases without careful consideration of the impact on those least able to afford it,” Ellenbogen said.
The Ocean County Board of Commissioners said it will continue advocating on behalf of residents as the proposal moves through the state review process. Ellenbogen added that he intends to keep pushing back against any plan that prioritizes corporate convenience over the financial well-being and protection of local residents.