NJ Coalition for Fair Energy Releases New TV Ad, Asks Why Nuke Plants Should Be Treated Like Renewables

“We Think” Spot Highlights Tax Hike Sought by PSEG, Impact on Ratepayers

Trenton, NJ – The NJ Coalition for Fair Energy announced today a new ad in opposition to legislation which would subsidize PSEG’s Hope Creek and Salem nuclear stations. The spot is titled “We Think,” takes aim at S. 877/A. 2850 (which tack an annual $300M nuclear subsidy onto a collection of renewable energy initiatives), and corresponds to a broader campaign by the group to shed light on the fact that the bills would needlessly increase energy costs for everyone in New Jersey.

“The line of opposition to this bill is out the door and around the block,” said coalition spokesperson Matt Fossen. “The facts speak for themselves: neither PSEG nor its plants are struggling and the proposal at hand would wreak havoc on ratepayers. We hope this spot will encourage people throughout New Jersey to make their voices heard and oppose this senseless energy tax.”

The group’s latest ad comes on the heels of news that PSEG believes the proposal in question will help it increase its rate of return for the two plants to 18%. In an interview with The Bergen Record, company CEO Ralph Izzo said this rate “would make it worth to keep the plants running.”

The NJ Coalition for Fair Energy is comprised of Calpine Corporation, Dynegy, NRG Energy, and the Electric Power Supply Association.

To see the ad, click here.

For a transcript of the ad, see below:

Senior Woman: We think Governor Murphy’s got the right idea.

Senior Man: Mm-hmm.

Senior Woman: He’s focused on renewable energy.

Senior Man: Mm-hmm.

Senior Woman: But PSE&G is trying to pull a fast one; passing off a nuclear plant as ‘renewable,’ just so they can raise our rates and get an extra three hundred million dollars a year!

Senior Man: [Rolls eyes]

Senior Woman: They don’t need the money.  PSE&G is already making a profit, and just got a $650 million dollar tax break from Donald Trump.

Senior Man: [Shakes head]

Senior Woman: We need to stop the PSE&G energy tax.

Senior Man: Mm-hmm.

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