Dear Editor:
Last week Governor Murphy extended the utility shutoff moratorium through March 15, 2021, allowing families across New Jersey to breathe some sigh of relief as we continue to deal with the effects of the COVID crisis.
So far over 440,000 residential customers in New Jersey have been reported as 90 days or more past due on their utility bills, clearly indicating a major public health risk should vitally important heat and electricity be cut off as we approach the winter months. I would like to thank Governor Murphy and the utility companies who voluntarily agreed to this extension, because without their action so many families would have been put in jeopardy come the winter.
This is exactly the type of leadership we need to see more of if we are to weather this storm together. Without any politics or governmental infighting getting in the way, just solutions that put the people first. The next step is to improve energy efficiency across the state so utility bills aren’t such a burden for families and businesses. I look forward to seeing our state leaders take this up over the coming months.
Andrew Wilps
Andrew Wilps is a Campaign Coordinator with NJPIRG, the statewide public interest organization.Â
Andrew Wilpsawilps@njpirg.org610-714-9223
NJPIRG104 Bayard Street, Fl. 6New Brunswick, NJ 08901
