AUDUBON, Pa. — PJM Interconnection is pushing back on recent claims made by New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill, calling her statements about the region’s electricity grid and energy pricing “false” and “mischaracterizing” the federally regulated organization.
Sherrill, a U.S. Representative and candidate for governor, posted a video titled “Mikie Sherrill Demsplains Why New Jersey is Being Hit with 20% Energy Hike, Blames Big Oil Interests”.
The video attributes rising energy costs to PJM’s operations and decision-making. PJM has responded by issuing a detailed rebuttal, clarifying its structure, purpose, and current project pipeline.
“PJM makes no profits, has no investors, and doesn’t own any assets,” the organization told Shore News Network. “PJM’s Board of Managers (as well as all PJM employees) are not permitted to have a personal affiliation or ongoing professional relationship with, nor any financial stake in, any PJM member.”
The grid operator, which oversees electricity transmission across 13 states and Washington, D.C., also disputed claims that projects are being held back by internal delays.
According to PJM, 47 gigawatts of energy projects have already cleared interconnection and are authorized to begin construction, and another 63 gigawatts are in the queue for 2025 and 2026.
Disputes over transparency and energy mix
Sherrill also criticized PJM for allegedly deprioritizing renewable energy in favor of fossil fuel interests. PJM countered that it is “fuel- and technology-neutral” and that its governance structure prevents financial entanglements or industry favoritism.
The organization is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and its membership includes over 1,000 stakeholders representing five voting sectors.
PJM also rejected claims that its decision-making occurs “behind closed doors,” stating that it holds more than 400 meetings annually, most of which are open to the public. This includes key committees like the Members Committee and the Markets & Reliability Committee.
In response to Sherrill’s warning of possible blackouts next summer, PJM clarified that, in rare high-demand scenarios, it could ask pre-compensated customers to voluntarily reduce usage—an emergency measure that has been publicly outlined in its operational planning.
On project timelines, PJM said its updated interconnection cycle is designed to take between one and two years and that it is working with partners, including Google and Tapestry, to accelerate new capacity additions.
“We will start processing new projects next spring,” PJM said.
The grid operator says its role is misunderstood in Sherrill’s post and remains committed to maintaining reliability and transparency across its multi-state service area.
