Garden State Times

Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco has expressed concerns over a proposal under consideration by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) that could potentially increase electric bills for residents and businesses across the state. The BPU is set to review a report focused on "driving equity" in energy rates, which suggests adjusting utility bills based on income levels. This would mean higher costs for moderate- and middle-income families while lowering them for households already receiving state utility assistance.

The proposal mirrors a similar policy enacted in California last year, leading some to describe it as an attempt to make New Jersey akin to "California of the East Coast." Senator Bucco argues that this approach is regressive and burdensome for residents who are already facing high utility costs, with expectations of paying at least 20% more during the summer.

"Because of progressive Democrat policies that have been blocking commonsense energy expansion for the past 8 years, New Jersey families are already grappling with some of the highest energy costs in the nation," stated Sen. Bucco. He emphasized that instead of increasing financial pressure on residents, efforts should focus on reducing costs through expanding electric power generation using reliable sources like natural gas.

Bucco further criticized what he described as a redistribution tax: "New Jersey is already on a dangerous path thanks to Trenton Democrats, but if this redistribution tax goes through, it will be simply unsustainable. Continuing to emulate California is a recipe for disaster," he said. He called such measures desperate gimmicks aimed at shifting financial burdens onto hardworking citizens.

Senator Bucco has consistently advocated for balanced and diverse energy strategies to alleviate financial pressures on New Jersey families and businesses. Last week, he released a statement addressing what he sees as the root causes of New Jersey's energy affordability issues.