TRENTON, NJ — Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) will cut its infrastructure investments by over 75%, citing skyrocketing energy costs fueled by Democratic-led policies in Trenton, according to State Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26).
Pennacchio issued a statement Monday criticizing Governor Phil Murphy and Democratic lawmakers for shifting reliance from traditional energy sources to wind and solar, which he claims failed to meet the state’s energy demands, leading to anticipated 20% increases in electric bills this summer.
Key Points
- JCP&L plans to cut infrastructure improvements by over 75% due to rising energy costs.
- Sen. Joe Pennacchio blames Democratic energy policies for the spike in electric bills.
- Pennacchio and Sen. Tiver will propose legislation to ease ratepayer burdens.
“Democrats, led by Governor Murphy, added fuel to the fire by calling for a complete electrification of our state’s energy consumption by eliminating gas cars and gas stoves,” Pennacchio said. He argued that JCP&L is now forced to delay essential grid modernization projects due to mounting financial pressure.
Pennacchio warned that postponing infrastructure improvements could lead to larger and more persistent utility problems in the future, stating, “Our ratepayers deserve better than this.”
Republican lawmakers plan legislation to cut energy costs
In response to the growing public concern, Pennacchio and Senator Owen Tiver announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at reducing energy costs for consumers. Their proposal would temporarily suspend the sales and use tax, along with the Societal Benefits Charge (SBC) on electric bills, promising a 10% savings for ratepayers.
The legislation has not yet been formally introduced, and it remains to be seen whether it will gain traction in a Democrat-controlled Legislature.
No immediate comment was available from Governor Murphy’s office or Democratic legislative leaders regarding the infrastructure cutbacks or the proposed legislation.
As energy bills soar, JCP&L slashes projects while political battles over New Jersey’s energy future intensify.
