Allen: Corzine Must Stop Diversions from Clean Energy Fund

September 15, 2009

Contact: Bill Murray / (609) 292-5199
Senator Diane Allen (R-7)

Senator Diane Allen (R-Burlington, Camden) called on Governor Jon Corzine to stop diversions of money from the state’s Clean Energy Fund. A published report in The Press of Atlantic City indicates that $30 million has been diverted from the fund since July 1, 2009.

The fund, which is financed by rate payers through the societal benefits charge added to every utility bill in the state, provides capital for renewable energy programs and supports the Lifeline Program and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program.

These programs provide financial assistance for the elderly and the needy to pay their utility bills. The report indicates that the Societal Benefits Charge adds about 3 percent to every utility bill in the state.

“It is disturbing that the Governor is diverting money from the state’s Clean Energy Fund to shore up his budget,” Allen stated. “This fund exists in part, so that elderly folks and the needy are able to get assistance with paying their utility bills. In my district office we have seen a dramatic increase over the past year of constituents who are struggling to pay their utility bills. A growing number of my constituents have had their power turned off due to non-payment. To divert money from this fund, at a time when people are having a greater difficulty paying their utility bills than ever before, is absolutely unconscionable. Governor Corzine must stop diverting money from this fund immediately so that we can ensure the money will be there to help the elderly and the needy keep their heat on this winter.”