TRENTON, N.J. — Republican lawmakers and gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli are criticizing the Murphy administration and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) over a proposal to postpone a scheduled 20% energy rate hike until after the November election.
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GOP officials, including State Senator Dawn Fantasia, claim the delay is a politically motivated maneuver aimed at shielding Democrats from voter backlash ahead of the general election. “Jedi mind tricks meant to distract voters while @GovMurphy’s BPU drains your wallet,” Fantasia wrote Thursday on X (formerly Twitter), referencing criticism from within the BPU itself.
The controversy centers on a pending utility rate increase that, if approved, would significantly impact household energy bills across the state. The BPU has not confirmed the final timing of any rate adjustments but has faced mounting scrutiny after one of its own commissioners reportedly voiced opposition to delaying the decision.
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Republican gubernatorial nominee and current candidate Jack Ciattarelli weighed in on the matter, criticizing the effort as an attempt to mislead, or bait and switch New Jerseyans.
The New Jersey Senate Republican Caucus has introduced legislation aimed at preventing similar postponements in the future and increasing legislative oversight over utility pricing.
“We’ve introduced legislation to ensure affordable energy and protect ratepayers. We need a seat at the table,” the caucus posted on social media.
The Governor’s office and BPU have not issued a formal response to the GOP’s claims. The proposed rate increase and its potential delay remain under review as utility regulators evaluate energy cost trends and public feedback.