Electricity Pricing Debate Intensifies, Impacting Cape May County Residents

TRENTON — As New Jersey faces soaring electricity prices, the issue has sparked political battles ahead of an election year, with both parties scrambling to address the growing concerns of consumers, including those in Cape May County. A recent six-hour hearing in Trenton on March 28 focused on both assigning blame and seeking solutions for rising costs. With all 80 Assembly seats up for election and the governor ineligible for re-election due to term limits, the debate over electricity prices is heating up. Democrats, who control the Legislature and the governor’s office, pointed fingers at the 13-state grid operator, PJM Interconnection, for delays in adding new power generation sources, leading to what Board of Public Utilities President Christine Guhl-Sadovy described as an artificial scarcity. Meanwhile, Republicans blamed the state's energy master plan, arguing that traditional power plants like natural gas and nuclear were prematurely decommissioned in favor of renewable energy sources like offshore wind. Cape May County residents, already facing increased costs of living, will soon experience the effects of a 17% hike in electricity supply rates starting June 1. As the cost of electricity continues to rise, the issue is becoming more urgent for local homeowners and businesses. While both parties acknowledge the need for more power generation, it may take up to two years before significant relief is felt. State lawmakers have pledged to continue hearings, with upcoming sessions set to include utility representatives who will need to explain the price hikes.