U.S. Congressman Jeff Van Drew
U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew has sent a letter to Atlantic City Electric telling the company to stop all shut-off notices for customers who are struggling to pay their bills due to unexpected increases after the installation of smart meters.
Many people who have always paid their bills on time are now facing huge jumps in their utility costs without a clear answer as to why, Van Drew said in a news release.
"People are having a tough time because of these sudden and massive increases in their bills," he said. "It is only fair that AC Electric stops these shut-offs until their new billing system and smart meters are audited and thoroughly investigated. Customers deserve transparency and fairness immediately."
Separately, Van Drew sent a letter last week to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities demanding a public hearing to allow South Jersey residents to voice their concerns over “the outrageous spikes” in their electricity bills. He also wants to investigate the reasons for the rate hikes.
Van Drew, a Republican, represents the Second Congressional District, which includes Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem counties and parts of Gloucester and Ocean counties. He will face Democratic challenger Joseph Salerno in the November election.
Click here to read Van Drew’s letter calling on Atlantic Electric to halt utility shut-offs.
