March 28, 2025

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: We must pursue a cleaner energy future, but not at the expense of bankrupting our residents.”

“New Jersey families face surging energy bills and the administration’s bad energy policy is to blame.” Steve Sweeney said. “As BPU predicts increases of 20% or more on electric bills, my opponents have refused to stand up to the administration or call on them to do anything about it. That is unacceptable. New Jersey consumers need action now, and that starts with halting the ‘Energy Master Plan.’ The plan is far too ambitious and it has cut off our energy supply as demand has risen, leaving New Jerseyans to foot the bill. I’ll continue to call for an immediate halt to his master plan until we can get prices under control.”

During his tenure as Senate President, Steve Sweeney sponsored legislation that promoted sustainability, including supporting solar development, advancing major wind projects, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and preserving nuclear power plants, which make up 43% of New Jersey’s energy generation. Sweeney has repeatedly stressed the importance of incorporating Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) as a key component of New Jersey’s energy strategy, and while he is a proponent for electric vehicles, he sees the electric vehicle mandates as unrealistic and burdensome.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: We must pursue a cleaner energy future, but not at the expense of bankrupting our residents.”

In addition to calling for a halt to the Energy Master Plan, Steve has pledged to take legal action against PJM Interconnection, the regional energy company for New Jersey and a dozen other states, for driving up costs through market manipulation, lack of transparency, and hindering our state’s ability to hit renewable energy targets.

“We also need to hold organizations like PJM accountable for unfair business practices that hurt consumers the most,” continued Sweeney. “PJM has employed practices that unfairly burden everyday New Jerseyans and hinder our state's energy goals, and as New Jersey’s Governor, I will work with all 13 PJM states to take legal action to ensure transparency and accountability within our energy grid, fostering a more competitive market that ultimately benefits all consumers.”

Finally, Steve Sweeney values the BPU’s role in addressing energy costs, but knows that the BPU needs professional expertise in order to appropriately address the upcoming utility bill hikes and the long-term security of New Jersey energy.

“The BPU plays an important role in making sure that New Jersey’s energy needs are met and consumers are heard, and calls to abolish the board are, frankly, stupid. However, we need energy policy experts on the BPU – not political appointees,” Sweeney said. “In order to properly address the energy crisis, we need to professionalize the BPU.”

As Governor, Steve will embrace an all-of-the-above approach to energy. Under a  Sweeney administration, New Jersey will expand nuclear generation, utilize hydrogen energy, develop offshore wind, and expand gas generation through utilization of existing infrastructure. Through this multifaceted approach, New Jersey can lower energy bills for workers, seniors, and their families, accommodate the growing needs of the expansion of data centers and other energy-intensive industries, and build a brighter, cleaner, more prosperous future for New Jersey.

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