Trenton, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy publicly questioned fellow Democrat Mikie Sherrill’s high-profile campaign promise to freeze energy rates on “Day One” if elected governor, casting doubt on how such a move could be executed given the state’s complex utility system and its reliance on private-sector energy providers.
Speaking to reporters after signing two new energy-related bills on Friday, Murphy said he wasn’t sure how Sherrill’s proposal would work in practice.
“I’m not sure how you’d actually do that,” Murphy said. “These are private-sector players. I’m not sure if she got into the details as to how you do it, but we’ve been spending morning, noon, and night on energy, energy sources, energy affordability for years.”
Sherrill, who has made utility costs a centerpiece of her campaign for governor, responded by reaffirming that her team has reviewed the legal framework and determined the authority exists. She did not elaborate on the mechanism behind the freeze but said she would involve the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and utility companies in direct negotiations.
“This is something that we have looked into, that I’ve determined, as governor, I’ll have the power to do,” Sherrill said Wednesday. “To bring all of our utility companies to the table, the BPU to the table, who’s negotiating some of these prices, and make sure we’re driving down costs.”
A statement from her campaign echoed that stance, saying Sherrill “understands the crushing cost crisis” and is prepared to use “bold, unprecedented action” to deliver rate relief. Spokesperson Sean Higgins said the proposal would involve using BPU revenues to offset costs and push for accountability from energy providers.
New Jersey’s energy rates increased by 20% in June and are projected to rise another 5% next summer. With affordability issues mounting, lawmakers have passed several bills aimed at easing pressure on ratepayers. Murphy signed two of those bills Friday but suggested that Sherrill’s approach lacks specifics.
“It’s possible Mikie went into this in more detail — I don’t know what that means,” Murphy added. “I’m open-minded to everything, but I’m not sure what that means, and I’d love to get more detail on that, which we will.”
Murphy’s remarks mark a rare instance of public tension between two prominent Democrats in the state, as Sherrill aims to succeed him in the governor’s office.
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