Garden State Times

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has voiced its concerns following a decision by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to limit or ban gas power usage for many residents and businesses in the state. Eileen Kean, NFIB's State Director, criticized the BPU's approach, stating that it lacked "notice, transparency, stakeholder input, or legislative authority."

Kean expressed worries about the state's electric grid capacity to handle increased demand if natural gas use is curtailed. She warned that such a shift could lead to "volatile cost spikes and power shortages," while also increasing expenses for business owners who need to renovate or expand.

"Converting every building in the state to all-electric power will cost billions of dollars," Kean noted. She emphasized that these changes would not aid small businesses already facing high operational costs.

The NFIB argues that significant policy decisions should be made by elected officials rather than an "unelected state panel with zero accountability." The organization intends to collaborate with New Jersey's legislature and other stakeholders to reconsider the state's energy strategy.

For 80 years, NFIB has been advocating for small and independent business owners across America. It remains committed to supporting these enterprises at both national and state levels.