New Jersey residents are up in arms over huge spikes in their energy costs, leading to speculation it could prove fatal for Democrats.
The New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities (BPU) approved a 17-20 percent hike in June for the majority of households in The Garden State.
Republicans in the state have claimed it is tied directly to Democratic Governor Phil Murphy’s move to shut down the state’s nuclear and coal plants in 2017.
Murphy touted offshore turbines as the way forward, but none of them have yet to be completed due to issues around costs.
According to the Wall Street Journal, electric bills in the state now rank as the 12th highest in the nation, with prices 15 percent higher than the national average.
The outlet also reported the state is becoming increasingly depending on out-of-state generation to meet the electricity demand.
One resident who spoke with Fox News told the outlet of their horror and confusion over the price gouging.
One woman said: ‘$200 more, I know my electrical bill. I was shocked. So to say the least, I’m very disappointed.
Republicans in the state have claimed the hike is due to Democratic Governor Phil Murphy’s move to shut down the state’s nuclear and coal plants in 2017
The New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities (BPU) approved a 17-20 percent hike in June for the majority of households in The Garden State
‘This is killing us, and every time you turn around it’s something more. You only get little pleasures in life that you enjoy, and my air conditioner is one of them.’
Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican, is running to dispose Murphy in the 2026 gubernatorial election.
He has used the high energy costs to blast state Democrats, saying their ambitious ideas have impacted the wallets of state residents.
Murphy is term limited from running again, with the Democratic nominee congresswoman Mikie Sherill stepping up.
Sherill has sought to deflect the blame on to the region’s grid operating company, arguing that they are ‘ripping off’ citizens.
Due to the soaring prices, the BPU announced that $100 in credits would be handed out to curb the rising costs.
The regulator’s three members approved the move that will see monthly electricity bills reduce by $50 in September, and $50 in October.
Commissioner Zenon Christodoulou said: ‘This should be helpful for people, but in no way solves the problem.
‘I hope this helps some people get over the hump. This is a very difficult time.’
Republican Jack Ciattarelli has used the high energy costs to be a thorn in the side of state democrats, saying their ideas has hit the wallets of state residents
An aerial view of the Oyster Creek Generating Station, a nuclear power plant in Forked River, New Jersey March 22, 2011 on the Atlantic Ocean near the New Jersey shore
Due to opposition from the Trump administration, plans to build offshore wind farms seem all but dead in the water for the state.
In his first day in office Trump paused nearly all offshore projects in New Jersey, after he ordered agencies to stop issuing permits and leases for them.
On Wednesday the BPU said they had canceled their approval for the Atlantic Shores wind project, that had aimed to power almost one million homes.
BPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy said: ‘Today’s action is a direct response to a shift in federal policy under the current administration, which has created significant uncertainty and potential for offshore wind project delays.’
