Assembly members Mary Pat Angelini and David Rible, both R-Monmouth, slammed the Board of Public Utilities approval to grant a summer surcharge on electricity used in the season as another example of the Corzine Administration’s ‘the ends justify the means’ approach.

“While energy conservation is a laudable goal, the premise of punishing consumers for their electrical usage without regard to their circumstance is callous and indifferent,” Angelini, said. “The elderly, many of whom live on fixed incomes, are particularly at risk from the extreme heat. At a time when taxes are being increased and people are struggling with expenses, it is hard to justify making people pay more in order to reduce electrical consumption.”

Angelini and Rible said they have received numerous constituent complaints about the rate surcharge that will be in effect between June and September.

“I am not convinced that this tactic will result in lower energy use,” said Rible. “I do believe that people’s electric bills will increase and there was a ‘damn the torpedoes’ method used without careful consideration of the consequences. The potential impact on someone’s health or sacrificing sanitation standards are potential risks from this policy. But once again, the Corzine Administration knows what’s best for the taxpayer, including taking more money out of their pocket.”
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