When more than 70% of New Jerseyans heat their homes with natural gas, and the state budget has gone up 40% in the last five years, Sen. Joe Pennacchio said rate increases just aren't fair.
New Jersey's largest utility is proposing to reduce natural gas rates for residential customers by nearly nine percent this winter, bringing rates to their lowest level in 14 years.
The Federal Energy Department warns it will cost more to keep warm this winter, with a bigger increase for natural gas than for heating oil. But a New Jersey expert disagrees.
The government forecast Tuesday that most households will pay more for heat this winter. Heating oil users will catch a slight break, but still pay near-record prices to keep warm.