Increased electricity bills for local residents sparked a petition and a call for an investigation into provider Atlantic City Electric.
"Atlantic City Electric bill rates have inconveniently skyrocketed in a matter that doesn't align with what the utility company originally claimed," Pittman wrote on the petition on change.org.
The company said that customers recently saw a supply rate increase of 13 percent and a 5 percent distribution rate increase, all of which are regulated by the state Board of Public Utilities.
"Recent studies have revealed that New Jersey residents are utilizing energy more than ever before, causing equipment to work harder," the company wrote. "This increased energy demand, coupled with inflation and extreme weather, are contributing factors affecting energy bills."
But some bills have been three to four times normal, according to Pittman
"This situation extends beyond being mere price discrepancy," he wrote in the petition. "This is a gross misrepresentation tantamount to exploitation. It is disheartening that our representatives appear to lack the initiative to confront these unchecked power companies on our behalf."
At least one local leader has made the call for regulation.
Congressman Jeff Van Drew, R-Atlantic, Cape and Cumberland, issued a letter to the state BPU on Monday calling for an investigation into the increases, along with a public hearing allowing residents to voice their concerns.
"We are aware of Congressman Van Drew’s letter and the petition that is circulating on social media platforms," Candice Womer told BreakingAC. "We understand our customers concerns, which are addressed in both the letter and the petition, and we want to make our customers aware that Atlantic City Elected is a highly regulated utility that reports activity to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and is regularly audited."
She went on to say that all rate increases also are regulated and approved by the state BPU.
"The company, however, remains committed to working with local officials to support customers facing financial hardships – and urges customers to reach out directly for help," Womer added.
Pittman is currently working with Atlantic City Electric to try to set up somewhat of a virtual town hall that would be livestreamed on social media with residents able to ask questions.
"Atlantic City Electric did reach out to Nick Pittman to arrange an interview/meeting to discuss his concerns," Womer confirmed. "We are working directly with him to discuss logistics and what that meeting might entail."
