TRENTON, N.J.
— Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration is proposing a $430 million plan to issue utility bill credits to New Jersey residents, but the timing and approval process have drawn criticism from Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli.
That comes to a $100 one-time increase for most people and $150 for low-income households. Jack Ciattarelli, who is running to be the next governor, says it’s all too little, and far too late to fix a problem that Phil Murphy’s reckless and failed offshore wind energy agenda created.
Under the proposed plan, about 3.9 million residential ratepayers would receive a $100 credit, with low- and moderate-income residents eligible for an additional $150. The initiative is still pending approval from the state Board of Public Utilities (BPU), which is scheduled to meet June 18.
“We’re taking this step today because the fact is the people of New Jersey are being battered by the rising cost of energy,” Murphy said Wednesday at a press conference in Newark. “You can look all around the country right now… we are not alone. Wholesale electricity prices are up multiples of what they were even a year ago.”
The governor suggested the first round of credits could be distributed in September or October but emphasized the date remains uncertain pending BPU approval. A second $100 payment is under discussion but has not been finalized.
New Jerseyans are facing hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in increased electric bills starting this month.
BPU President Christine Guhl Sadovy said residents enrolled in the state’s winter termination program, which prevents utility shutoffs from November 15 to March 15, would qualify for the larger $150 credit.
Ciattarelli calls plan political timing ahead of election
Jack Ciattarelli, who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor, criticized the proposal as an election-year tactic. In a social media post, he wrote: “If they have $430 million to give, why did they take it from us in the first place?? Had enough? Me too. It all changes when I’m Governor.”
Ciattarelli alleged the timing of the proposed utility relief was designed to coincide with the fall election, saying it is “just before everyone votes in November.”
Ciattarelli has been critical of Murphy’s failed push for offshore wind energy.
The funding source for the $430 million program has not been detailed, and state officials did not clarify whether it would come from surplus funds, federal assistance, or other revenue streams. The Murphy administration has stated the purpose is to help offset rising energy costs amid regional and national price increases.
If approved, the utility relief initiative would be one of the largest direct payment programs tied to energy costs in recent state history.
