TRENTON, N.J. — Republican Senators Anthony Bucco and Michael Testa slammed the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) on Wednesday over its latest move allowing utility companies to propose deferred rate hikes — a step the lawmakers say is a political ploy to shield Democrats ahead of the November election.
At a BPU hearing, the board agreed to let the state’s four major electric utilities — JCP&L, Rockland Electric, PSE&G, and Atlantic City Electric — submit “distribution side proposals” by May 5 to reduce customer bill impacts.
The plan, backed by BPU staff, would delay increases until after the election, drawing accusations from Republicans of political manipulation.
Key Points
- BPU approves utility plan proposals to delay rate hikes until after election
- GOP Senators Bucco and Testa denounce move as political theater
- Republicans push alternate legislation to prioritize affordability and energy security
GOP senators: BPU plan shields Democrats from election fallout
Sen. Bucco, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Energy Costs, criticized the BPU and Democrats for what he called “bureaucratic gimmicks” that offer no real relief to residents. He said the plan disguises debt as help and ignores Republican solutions to lower energy costs.
“This isn’t relief, it’s a smokescreen,” Bucco said, adding that the move aims to “contain the danger of their costly, failing energy policies before the election this fall.” He called for reforms that would increase energy supply and reduce reliance on expensive programs.
Sen. Testa echoed those sentiments, calling the BPU’s decision “dishonest” and “irresponsible.” He likened the board to “the Bureau of Propaganda and Untruths” and accused it of working as an extension of Democratic interests rather than serving the needs of consumers.
Testa, who has introduced legislation (S-4285) to abolish the BPU, said the board has “abandoned its duty to protect New Jersey consumers.”
Republicans renew push for affordability-focused legislation
The criticism comes as Senate Republicans push their “Energy Security and Affordability Act” (S-2839), a bill that would require the BPU to prioritize in-state energy production and mandate economic impact reviews for all energy projects. They argue this approach would curb costs and reduce dependency on out-of-state subsidies.
The proposed legislation aims to reverse what Republicans describe as a “broken” energy agenda, which they claim has led to higher costs and unreliable service for residents statewide.
According to Bucco and Testa, any temporary delay in rate increases without structural change is a “hollow gesture” meant only to placate ratepayers until after the election cycle.
The BPU has not yet commented on the political criticism or indicated whether additional hearings will be held before the May 5 deadline for utility proposals.
