Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

CODEY URGES BPU AND EXELON TO JUMPSTART NEGOTIATIONS

TRENTON - Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex, urged the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to jumpstart stalled negotiations with Exelon in their bid to acquire PSEG and work quickly towards a final decision as to whether or not a merger is in the State's best interest..

"I am a firm believer in the art of negotiation and its ability to develop the best solution," said Senator Codey, D-Essex. "In the end, further negotiations will either lead to an agreement or they will lead to no merger at all. But in my experience, if the resolution is one where both the BPU and Exelon are unhappy, the ratepayers of New Jersey are going to be the winners."

TURNER: PSE&G RATE HIKE WRONG FOR NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS

TRENTON - Senator Shirley K. Turner said today that the rate hike proposed by PSE&G is unwarranted and urged the members of the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to reject the proposal in its entirety.

"This rate hike is absolutely ludicrous. I am completely opposed to it," said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. "As far as I can see, PSE&G hasn't even come close to making a convincing argument for why this rate hike is necessary. The only acceptable course of action for the BPU to take is to deny the request."

SENATE APPROVES LESNIAK BILL TO IMPROVE UTILITIES SAFETY

TRENTON - The Senate today gave final approval a bill sponsored by Senator Raymond J. Lesniak to authorize electric or gas utility companies to improve safety in neighborhoods where abandoned buildings still have functioning hookups which are often rigged dangerously by thieves.

"Illegal hookups to gas or electric utility outlets in abandoned buildings can easily lead to explosions which create life-threatening situations for families living nearby," said Senator Lesniak, D-Union. "Utilities need the authority to enter abandoned buildings in a timely manner so nearby residents or businesses are kept from harm's way."

LESNIAK: PULL THE PLUG ON ABANDONED UTILITIES

TRENTON - A Senate committee today approved a bill sponsored by Senator Raymond J. Lesniak to authorize electric or gas utility companies to discontinue service and remove their equipment from abandoned buildings.

"This bill will improve safety for families living near abandoned buildings whose running utility meters could lead to explosive situations," said Senator Lesniak, D-Union. "Lives are in jeopardy when attempts are made to steal electricity or to connect gas lines illegally from abandoned buildings."