New Jersey finally has some true equity and and equality. A massive energy rate hike is affecting all residents the same, no matter what their religion, race, gender, sexual preference or political party they are affiliated with.

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the progress made toward equality. Governor Phil Murphy has joined in these celebrations, highlighting New Jersey’s commitment to supporting its LGBTQ+ community. But for many residents, the festive spirit is overshadowed by a harsh reality: a 20% energy price hike that took effect on June 1, hitting households and businesses hard.

While pride in identity is worth celebrating, there’s little pride to be found because the rate hike hits you the same whether you are straight, gay, trans, and even non-binary.

The timing couldn’t be worse. As families gather for Pride parades and summer events, they’re also opening utility bills that strain already tight budgets.

The average New Jersey household now faces an additional $30-$40 per month in energy costs, according to estimates from the state’s Board of Public Utilities.

For small businesses, the impact is even more severe, with some owners reporting increases of hundreds of dollars monthly. This isn’t just a number on a bill—it’s fewer groceries, delayed medical care, or scaled-back summer plans for families across the state.

Governor Murphy’s administration has pointed to global energy market pressures and the state’s ambitious clean energy goals as drivers of the increase.

His opposition cites the governor’s ‘all-or-nothing’ reliance on the future of offshore wind energy, which has so far cost hundreds of millions of dollars and has not produced a single watt of electricity.

Transitioning to renewables is critical, as Murphy continues New Jersey’s goal to achieve 100% clean energy by 2035.

But the burden of this transition cannot fall disproportionately on working-class families and small businesses already grappling with inflation and economic uncertainty. Where is the plan to shield vulnerable residents from these spikes? Where is the transparency about how these costs are calculated and passed on?

Where is the short term plan to increase energy production for New Jersey?

The governor’s focus on Pride Month, while symbolically important, feels tone-deaf when juxtaposed with this economic gut punch.

Leadership demands balancing progressive ideals with practical solutions. If New Jersey is to be a state that truly champions all its residents, it must prioritize affordability alongside inclusivity. Why not offer immediate relief, such as temporary subsidies for low-income households or tax credits for small businesses? Why not accelerate investments in energy efficiency programs to reduce demand and soften the blow of rising rates?

Why not push for nuclear and natural gas solutions instead pivoting to solar energy, another energy source that won’t get us to where we need to be in the near future.