Senators Carmen Amato, Jr. (R-Ocean County) and Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic County) introduced legislation that would ease the financial burden on volunteer emergency service organizations by requiring public utilities to charge a residential service rate rather than the commercial rate.

“Volunteer first responders are integral to the public safety of our communities, yet many of these organizations are being pushed to the brink financially by skyrocketing utility costs,” said Sen. Amato. “Our legislation would ensure that these volunteer emergency service organizations are charged the lowest possible utility rates, helping them stay focused on saving lives, not worrying about how to keep the lights on.”

“Our volunteer emergency service organizations are already stretched thin and treating them like businesses or commercial properties when it comes to utility rates only adds to that burden,” said Sen. Polistina. “We’ve seen local fire departments and rescue squads struggle financially, so requiring public utilities to charge a residential rate is a fair and responsible way to provide meaningful relief and helps ensure these vital organizations remain operational for the people who depend on them.”

Sen. Amato and Sen. Polistina have met with, and heard from, many volunteer emergency service organizations in their respective districts, and worked in conjunction with those organizations to find ways to optimize their community service in light of recent financial burdens.

You can read the full bill, S-1604, here.