Going green could be a double edged sword for Jersey Shore utility customers. Atlantic Electric, the company that serves most of South Jersey and customers in southern Ocean County, wants to raise its rates 3.5%.
The reason it quite surprising! Utility generation costs are too low!
Now, you say, wait shouldn't our rates being going down? Well that would be the case anywhere else but here in New Jersey. 
Back in the 1980's, in an effort to encourage independent energy production (that includes the excess generated by residential wind and solar power generation and sold back to the utility), New Jersey government set policies to allow a utility company to recover above market costs on power from independent generators. This electricity is not sold to AC Electric customers, but it's delivered to the regional market. 
That worked well, while utility prices continued to increase. Now prices on the regional grid system are down, and customers must make up that difference...the difference between what AC Electic pays for the power and what it ultimately sells it for on the regional market.
The proposal has been submitted to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for approval. The increase would be effective July 1, 2009.
Laura Giannotta
609-384-6121
www.JerseyShoreViews.com
Laura Giannotta
Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
REALTOR-Associate®
e-PRO®, ABR®
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
Representing New Jersey home buyers and sellers in southern Ocean County; Homes in Waretown, Homes in Barnegat, Homes in Manahawkin, Homes in Eagleswood, Homes in Tuckerton, Homes in Little Egg Harbor and Homes on Long Beach Island. You can also contact me about homes in northern Atlantic County; Homes in Galloway, Homes in Absecon, Homes in Mullica, Homes in Egg Harbor, Homes in Mizpah and Homes in Mays Landing.
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We are in NJ.... nothing goes down except our wallets and realtor income!
Hi Laura:
I'm in agreement with Rosemarie here...
Seems like we keeping getting hit hard here in NJ.
Dear Laura,
Green is good in all forms. Most of my buyers want a green home. Be glad your in NJ instead of Austin. City Council just passed a Energy Audit law where all sellers will have to pay for another inspection on the energy efficiency of the home. This should be a fine can of worms for Sellers and Realtors come June 1st. Good luck!
Betina
I don't live there, but I think I can understand the feelings of those that have already commented here.