Lonegan: New Jersey Utility Payers Deserve Their Own Tax Cut
Asks NJ Utility Companies to Follow National Trends & Lower Rates

Hackensack, NJ — Steve Lonegan, Republican candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District, has just sent a letter to PSE&G, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCPL), and Orange & Rockland Utilities requesting they reduce New Jersey residents’ utility rates on an expedited basis due to the cost savings realized from Congress’ sweeping tax relief bill.

“New Jersey rate payers deserve a break and the state utility companies can now afford to provide one,” Lonegan said. “This is a historic opportunity to help all New Jersey residents save money.”

Lonegan noted in his letter that utilities across the nation have begun to lower rates in response to the tax relief passed by Congress. New Jersey should be leading the way in this effort.

A copy of the letter is available here, and excerpts can be found below.

“Lowering New Jerseyans’ rates wouldn’t be out of the ordinary. Because of Congress’ tax relief package, Eversource in Massachusetts promptly reduced rates by $35 million instead of increasing them by $12.2 million, as previously scheduled, while Commonwealth Edison (Exelon) in Chicago may similarly pass as much as $200 million in tax savings this year.

“Many other states are following their lead. Last week, the Illinois Commerce Commission and Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities ordered the state’s electric, gas, and water companies to recalculate consumer costs. Kentucky and Montana have also instructed utility firms to begin calculating and tracking their tax savings, while Indiana and Louisiana started the process of reviewing the issue as well. Why shouldn’t New Jersey be next?

“I hope you will consider following the recent nationwide trends and give the hardworking people of this state the relief they deserve on an expedited basis. With your help, we can make 2018 one of the most pro-consumer, pro-growth years the Garden State has seen to date.”

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