Jack Ciattarelli, a candidate for Governor of New Jersey, has called for a shift in energy policy following plant closures and the state’s failure to expand nuclear energy. He said that these factors have forced New Jersey to import electricity, resulting in increased bills. The statement was made on the social media platform X.
“In 2016, New Jersey produced more electricity than we needed,” said Jack M Ciattarelli. “Today, we have to import electricity, driving up your monthly electric bill. We need change. IT’S TIME.”
Since 2016, New Jersey has retired seven major power plants with a total capacity of approximately 2,708 megawatts (MW), including coal, nuclear, and gas units. According to Shore News Network, these closures have heightened the state’s dependence on imported electricity during peak demand periods. This reliance raises concerns about reliability and higher consumer costs.
New Jersey imports around 20% of its electricity from the regional PJM grid. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that this dependency exposes consumers to congestion costs and price spikes when transmission constraints occur during high-demand periods.
The Salem–Hope Creek nuclear complex provides about 40% of New Jersey’s electricity and 85% of its carbon-free power. According to the EIA, Hope Creek’s license is valid through 2046; however, state nuclear subsidies are set to expire in 2025 unless renewed.
Ciattarelli is a Republican businessman who served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2011 to 2018. He was the GOP nominee for governor in 2021 and is running again in 2025 on a platform focused on fiscal restraint and energy affordability.
