As we find ourselves in the midst of a scorching summer in Toms River, our community is grappling with a distressing challenge: rapidly rising electric bills and an alarming increase in power outages. These issues are hitting our senior citizens particularly hard, and it’s imperative that the State Legislature addresses the profound impact this is having on their lives.
Recently, I was shocked to receive an electric bill for my household that totaled $638. While my family can manage this cost, I know that many families in our town, especially seniors, cannot. This is especially troubling given that many elderly residents rely on electric-powered medical equipment. For them, even a short power outage can turn into a dire situation, compromising their health and safety.
Residents of Holida