Yesterday, Trenton Democrats rejected amendments proposed by Senate Republicans aimed at reducing energy bills in New Jersey. The state is currently facing a 20% increase in electricity prices.
Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25), alongside Senators Michael Testa (R-1), Holly Schepisi (R-39), Robert Singer (R-30), and Joe Pennacchio (R-26), introduced amendments intended to provide financial relief for residents and ensure transparency from PJM, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), energy providers, and the Democratic energy agenda.
Senator Bucco, a member of the Select Committee on rising energy rates, suggested an amendment to SJR-154. He proposed expanding investigations into rising energy rates to include the BPU rather than leaving it solely under their jurisdiction. “During the Select Committee hearing on rising energy costs, we heard numerous stakeholders and experts who clearly said the policies coming out of Trenton are contributing to our energy shortage and subsequent skyrocketing energy bills,” said Sen. Bucco.
Senator Testa emphasized that the BPU has not fulfilled its mission statement and should not oversee investigations into rising costs. “Their mission statement is to ensure safe, adequate utility services at reasonable rates… It begs the question, which of those goals have they achieved?” he stated.
Senator Schepisi raised concerns about the BPU’s internal approval process for New Jersey’s energy production programs. She quoted a BPU member expressing doubts about how dissenting opinions are handled within the agency.
Senator Singer highlighted how limited energy supplies affect job creation in his district. “This concern has been virtually ignored to a great extent by the BPU,” he remarked.
Senator Pennacchio proposed an amendment to A-5466/S-4318 to eliminate certain charges on electricity bills but was voted down by Democrats. “Consumers are hurting… I would like to introduce an amendment that would place a summer moratorium on sales tax and societal benefits charges on our utility bills,” he said.
The Senate Republicans have previously introduced legislation aimed at lowering consumer costs but have faced opposition in the Legislature dominated by one party.
In March 2024, Senator Bucco and Senator Tiver introduced the “Energy Security and Affordability Act” targeting improved energy costs. In April 2025, Senator Tiver and Senator Pennacchio presented S-4398 proposing suspension of specific taxes on utility bills. In March 2025, Senator Testa introduced S-4285 advocating for abolishing the BPU due to its perceived failure in protecting consumers.
