MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Rep. Mikie Sherrill is criticizing House Republicans for what she calls a “Republican Price Hike Bill,” claiming it would drive up utility costs for New Jersey families already facing steep increases.
“Washington Republicans are raising your utility costs,” Sherrill said in a recent statement, pointing to proposed federal energy legislation that Democrats say could roll back efficiency standards and restrict investment in renewables.
Sherrill’s comments come weeks after New Jersey residents saw a nearly 20% increase in electric rates take effect in June. State regulators approved the hike earlier this year, citing higher transmission costs and market volatility as utilities renegotiated supply contracts.
According to figures cited by Sherrill’s office, the proposed Republican-backed legislation could increase annual household energy costs in New Jersey by $240, raise electricity bills by 13%, and lead to the loss of 22,000 jobs in the state’s energy sector.
The sharp rise in rates has drawn criticism from both parties, though Democrats have focused on linking the hike to national energy policies favored by Republicans. GOP lawmakers, meanwhile, argue that deregulation and expanded fossil fuel and nuclear energy production would lower costs for consumers.
New Jersey utilities began notifying customers of the June adjustment earlier this spring, with the state Board of Public Utilities attributing the increase to elevated wholesale energy prices and infrastructure expenses.