Energy Policy

With electricity rates rising year after year and the state’s increasing reliance upon importing energy from the PJM grid in the spotlight, the public conversation has shifted towards how New Jersey can bring electricity rates back down and be in control of its future by becoming energy independent.

"New England is at an energy crossroads: Demand for electricity is expected to rise for the first time in nearly 20 years. Offshore wind and other renewables aren't being built at the speed and price once predicted. And many people still have sticker shock after a winter of exceptionally high utility bills."

"Campaigns in this fall’s races for New Jersey and Virginia governors, as well as candidates in the upcoming midterms, are taking note of surging utility bills, in the latest sign that affordability has become central to campaigns at all levels."

"As New Jersey families endure summer heatwaves, there’s growing support for practical energy policies that keep the lights on and air conditioning running."

"Sherrill has signaled she would continue Murphy’s energy and transportation policies...Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli takes a distinctly critical stance toward ACC II and the broader push for rapid vehicle electrification."

Some blame PJM, others the Governor. How about both?

This pragmatic re-evaluation of energy strategies is being driven by pressing challenges related to grid stability, energy costs, and the demands of economic growth.

"...Lamont said that a larger gas supply is necessary to wean the region off its reliance on aging, oil-fired plants that are needed to meet demand in winter months."

"...the legislation marks a decisive turn in U.S. energy policy. It reflects a growing recognition that technological reliability, not just carbon reduction, must be central to the energy transition."

“If we don't increase our capacity over the next decade, we will see rolling blackouts,” Hochul warned during her announcement at the Niagara Power Plant.

With a gubernatorial election on the horizon, a new survey of New Jersey voters reveals that economic concerns and the cost of living are...

Managing growing electricity demand while transitioning the generation mix presents a complex balancing act.

"There’s a full-on race in the tech industry, and in tech-centric investment communities, to spend billions of dollars on new AI-infused infrastructures. The furious pace of expanding manufacturing to produce AI-capable silicon chips and simultaneously building massive, AI-infused datacenters is shattering the illusion that a digital economy enables a decoupling of economic growth from rising energy use."

"...But what was presented at the meeting by consultant Energy+Environmental Economics (E3) was not a complete draft, but instead a short slide presentation titled, 'Executive Summary DRAFT'"

“Part of the problem is sheer cost: many trillions of dollars, with great uncertainty as to who is to pay it. Part of the problem is the failure to appreciate that climate goals do not exist in a vacuum. They coexist with other objectives—from GDP growth and economic development to energy security and reducing local pollution—and are complicated by rising global tensions, both East-West and North-South.”

"The utility said more customers are switching to heat pumps and electric vehicles in alignment with New York State’s climate laws, and the proposed investments will ensure the grid is prepared for this transition."