JCP&L is looking to raise energy rates by 8.5% following a series of winter storms that heavily damaged power lines across North Jersey, according to a filing with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

The average increase would work out to about $9 for the average residential household, the company said in a statement.

A series of storms in 2018 and 2019 caused over $300 million in damages, JCP&L said in a statement. Paired with an increase likelihood of severe weather, the company said it was necessary to raise rates to recoup costs and harden infrastructure.

“With more frequent severe weather events expected in the years ahead, we need to be prepared to deploy the resources necessary to restore service to customers as safely and quickly as possible,” JCP&L PRESIDENT Jim Fakult said.

Since their last rate increase in 2016, the utility has spent over $1 billion to increase reliability of the system, including reinforcing infrastructure on the Barrier Islands, adding flood mitigation measures at substations, and speeding up vegetation management work.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has final say over any rate increases. That year, JCP&L had sought a 4.6% increase and was approved for 3.6%, which translated into an average of $4 more a month for customers.

In that case, JCP&L said the increase was necessary to inspect and maintain equipment and cut trees.

JCP&L serves over 1 million customers in 13 New Jersey counties.

Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieKausch. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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