Minutes after inauguration, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill froze utility rates and declared an energy state of emergency. (NJ)
Fulfilling her central campaign pledge, the new governor pledged to freeze rate hikes and signed an executive order granting the BPU the authority to pause new utility rate increase requests. A second order declared a statewide energy emergency, mandating rapid solicitation of new solar and storage projects.
Yes, but: Experts warn a blanket freeze may face legal hurdles, since the state can’t control PJM capacity auction prices—which account for a significant portion of what New Jersey pays for power.