NJ gubernatorial candidates outline plans to lower utility bills

KENILWORTH, N.J. (PIX11) — As the New Jersey utility bill blame game continues in Trenton, both candidates for Governor are proposing their solutions to help New Jerseyans save money.

Democratic candidate Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, speaking at a news conference on Wednesday in Kenilworth, laid out her policy plans to bring down energy bill costs.

“When I take office, the average New Jersey family won’t see an increase in utility rates for an entire year,” said Sherrill. 

She says on day one, she will freeze utility costs and fight for energy companies and grid operator PJM to be more transparent. She says she’ll also expand cheaper, cleaner power generation and expand capacity at the state’s existing nuclear plants.

“More power generation means lower bills,” said Sherrill. 

Meanwhile, Republican Candidate Jack Ciattarelli, who’s already laid out his strategy via social media, blames the energy policies of Trenton democrats who have pushed wind energy and stepped away from natural gas. He told PIX11 News in a statement, in part, “Mikie Sherrill has been a lockstep supporter of Phil Murphy’s failed energy policies in New Jersey and the Biden-Harris administration’s policies in Washington… When I’m Governor, things are going to change. I’ll ban offshore wind and diversify our energy sources in New Jersey to once again include natural gas and nuclear. I‘ll rewrite our master plan and deliver safe, clean, and sustainable energy to everyone in our state at a price you can afford.”

An FDU poll released earlier this month showed New Jersey voters are split on who to blame for the soaring utility bill costs. It’s an issue that will be at the top of many voters’ minds this November.

“They always have ideas, someone’s got to do something, put it into effect,” said Tony Benas, the co-owner of Kenilworth Diner and owner of other small businesses. He says his utility bills have gone up by hundreds.

“They all talk before the elections,” said Benas. “After the elections, everyone seems to kind of forget what they talked about.”

He hopes whoever is elected creates that change.

“Try to figure out what’s going on,” said Benas.