A former New Jersey Democrat Party Chairman Will Handle the Investigation into Governor Phil Murphy’s Energy Failures Which Led to Skyrocketting Electrical Bills for New Jersey Residents
TRENTON, NJ – A battle over soaring electric bills erupted in the New Jersey Statehouse this week, as Senate Republicans accused Democrats of blocking a GOP-backed amendment that aimed to bring outside oversight and transparency to the state’s energy crisis.
The controversy centers around the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), which Democrats have tasked with investigating the state’s electrical grid failures—despite BPU’s own involvement in the development of an energy master plan that critics say directly contributed to the system’s shortcomings.
Sen. Holly Schepisi, who reposted the New Jersey Senate Republicans’ message on social media, pointed to troubling comments made by a current BPU commissioner, who warned of a culture within the agency where dissent is discouraged, outside opinions are marginalized, and analysis is shaped to meet pre-determined outcomes.
“Why I think it’s even more important that this investigation not go to BPU? This came from one of the BPU commissioners himself,” Schepisi said. “Outside opinions, including mine or others, are dismissed and marginalized. This is the former vice chair of the Somerset County Democrats. This flawed internal process worries me deeply.”
Republicans argued that handing the investigation to BPU amounts to letting the agency “investigate itself,” and proposed a separate amendment that would have introduced an independent, external review process focused on ratepayer relief and accountability. That amendment was voted down by the Democratic majority.
In a sharply worded statement, GOP lawmakers called the investigation plan a “sham,” accusing Democrats of shielding the BPU from scrutiny while utility costs continue to skyrocket for New Jersey residents.
According to the commissioner’s remarks, the BPU had knowledge that the state’s grid system could not meet the energy demands envisioned under the proposed master plan. Critics warn that relying on the same agency for a solution raises serious concerns about transparency, credibility, and the potential for internal bias.
No formal timeline has been released for the BPU-led review, and it remains unclear whether any elements of the Republican proposal will be reconsidered in future legislative sessions.
Key Points
- NJ Senate Republicans accuse Democrats of blocking transparency in electric bill probe
- The BPU, blamed for contributing to the energy crisis, is leading the investigation into the grid failure
- GOP cited internal concerns from a BPU commissioner warning of bias and lack of dissent