TRENTON — Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco criticized New Jersey’s energy policies on Tuesday following the release of the latest PJM Interconnection Base Residual Auction results, which showed no relief in energy costs for the second year in a row.
“Today’s PJM auction results confirm what we’ve been warning about for years: Trenton Democrats’ failed energy agenda is directly driving up costs and putting the stability of our grid at risk,” Bucco said in a statement.
The auction, which sets electricity capacity prices for the 2026–2027 delivery year, highlighted ongoing concerns about grid reliability and affordability. Bucco said that delayed closures of older power plants prevented more severe consequences, noting that these plants are still necessary to meet energy demand.
He also criticized state policy goals, including natural gas restrictions and electrification mandates, stating, “Democrats’ incessant desire to deprioritize natural gas and force 100% electrification is actively harming New Jersey families and businesses.”
Senate Republicans are backing several bills to address energy costs, including Bucco’s “Energy Security and Affordability Act,” S-4398 to suspend energy taxes and fees, and a proposal to return the energy sales tax windfall to ratepayers.
Bucco added that the Governor’s recent energy-related announcement in June is “another band aid meant to delay the political fallout in an election year.”
