On her first day in office, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed executive orders to freeze electricity rate increases, provide bill credits, and expand clean energy, including solar, battery storage, and virtual power plants. The orders direct the Board of Public Utilities to study utility modernization, accelerate renewable energy programs, and explore ways to lower peak demand, according to Robert Walton of UtilityDive. Walton writes:
Sherrill, who made affordability and rising energy prices a focus of her campaign, said in her inaugural speech that the orders “will deliver relief to consumers and stop rate hikes.”
“This will also create the conditions to massively expand New Jersey’s power generation, because more power in-state will help lower costs,” she said.
Electric rates were a key issue in the governor’s race, particularly after bills spiked as much as 20% last year. Another increase is slated to go into effect this summer. […]
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