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Senator urges action on rising electric rates; commissioners seek briefing from Atlantic City Electric as county weighs role in Atlantic City recovery
Summary
State Senator Vince Paulistina urged the board to press utility companies and state officials over rising Atlantic Electric rates and a proposed "equity" program. Commissioners agreed to seek a committee briefing from the utility and to consider formal resolutions and next steps, while also discussing broader Atlantic City recovery efforts.
State Senator Vince Paulistina used the meeting's public-comment period on March 4, 2025, to press the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners for action on rising electric rates and to criticize state energy policy. Paulistina asked the county to convene Atlantic City Electric representatives for a briefing and suggested the board consider resolutions or other steps to relieve pressure on residents.
Paulistina said the state’s energy policy and moves to subsidize offshore wind have contributed to higher rates and that an equity-based rate proposal in a Board of Public Utilities (BPU) report — while described as not imminent — could nevertheless concern residents. He urged collective action, including meetings with utility leadership and federal and state elected officials.
Commissioners discussed next steps. Several members said they were open to bringing Atlantic City Electric to a committee meeting and to getting more information about the equity proposal and the county executive's earlier letters on the subject. One commissioner said the county had passed a previous resolution asking the BPU to withhold additional increases and suggested following up. Another said the board should ask the utility to present its case to a committee before any resolution.
In public comment and commissioner exchanges, Atlantic City recovery also emerged as a connected issue. Paulistina described recent state engagement — including funding from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) for additional policing on the boardwalk — and outlined ongoing initiatives to address safety, lighting and social services in Atlantic City. Commissioners said further coordination with the state and with city leaders would be pursued.
The board asked staff to try to schedule a committee briefing with Atlantic City Electric and to circulate existing correspondence on rates and policy options for review before any formal action.
