Now Electricity Is Going Up! (rental, credit report, utilities)

[DecayingAngel]

On the heels of the much-touted tax break, I opened this morning's paper only to see that Atlantic Electric is going to raise its rates. This means the average tax bill will increase by 10.54%. Jersey Central will be going up by 14.2%.

For an example, a "typical" Atlantic Electric bill now will be about $110.00. Ours is always higher, especially in the winter because we have to use space heaters as the oil heating system in this rental is very bad.

I can think of no possible way we can continue to live in this state anymore, much as I hate to leave it (although there are some other, personal reasons why I can no longer remain). OK, so I guess electric rates all over the US will go up, but when you are already starting with a high rate the bills will really be going over the top.

Please tell me, who can afford to live here anymore? Why are the powers that be doing this to us? I feel especially bad for the elderly who make just enough income not to qualify for some utility assistance.

[JBrown]

yeah saw that but didn't wanna "pile on"

" Jersey Central Power & Light customers will see their bills jump by 14 percent, or $13.30 a month, pushing the average monthly bill to $106.72. Customers of Public Service Electric & Gas, the state's largest utility, will be hit with an 11.7 percent increase, or $10.86 more a month, increasing the average monthly tab to $103.65. "

I guess I could mount a generator onto one of my bicycles as per Soilent Green.

[LawrencevilleGA]

They increase their bill yearly. Operating costs

[DecayingAngel]

Comcast raises their rates because they can. They are the only cable provider in town, so to speak.

With this talk of utilities, I thought it might be good to remind people who are moving to a new area that your credit will be checked by all the utilities. Doesn't sound like much, but that means there will be hard inquiries on your credit reports, with a concurrent lowering of scores.

I can understand checking credit but the lowering of scores at that rate is unfair, plain and simple. But this has been a long time gripe with me, as I feel that any excuse is used to keep people's scores as low as possible. But that's a subject for another message board.

Meanwhile, be aware when you move that your scores will be lowered simply because you are signing up for necessary services. Cheerful thought, isn't it?

[Swimmom32]

Ok this thoroughly depressed me...LOL..here we go again!!!!!!!!!!

[DaSkorpion]

Originally Posted by DecayingAngel

Comcast raises their rates because they can. They are the only cable provider in town, so to speak.

With this talk of utilities, I thought it might be good to remind people who are moving to a new area that your credit will be checked by all the utilities. Doesn't sound like much, but that means there will be hard inquiries on your credit reports, with a concurrent lowering of scores.

Comcast and Cablevision are about to get some serious competition. Verizon has launched its new FIOS service which is from what I have heard and seen way much better than anything Comcast or Cable has to offer.

You can always go to verizonfios.com and check to see if they have any plans of laying their fiber wires in the area you live in - if not call them and tell them you are interested in FIOS.

Gas and electric bills on the other hand are a killer already don't even know what to do anymore. Getting solar or anything else set up is another headache since you need to come up with at least another $15K not to mention other related costs.

My time to move out of NJ seems to be approaching..lol.

[JBrown]

tec wise fiber triumps coax-cable everyday...it's physics 101. If they put in place a good support structure (maintance/repairs etc) Verizon will over time replace the cable folks unless the gov. mettles in the issue.. I have verizon fiber at the street as of a couple of months ago now and may well be the 1st here to tap in and go completely fiber.
Might be a nice feature to point out on the property description seeing as how I'm looking forward to getting out of NJ !!