The rising cost of electricity became a central focus of the governor’s race on Wednesday when Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D) pledged to freeze utility rates if she’s elected and Jack Ciattarelli (R) argued Sherrill’s party is to blame for the spike in rates customers saw starting in June.
Sherrill, speaking outside a private residence in Kenilworth, said she would declare a state of emergency over utility rates on “day one” if she becomes New Jersey’s next governor. She said rising electric bills are “breaking the back of too many families when we have an overall affordability crisis.”
“So much of that pain is coming from electric bills, and the rate hikes are forcing families to make impossible choices between putting food on the table and paying for electric bills,” she said.
Sherrill said the average New Jersey family would not see an increase in utility rates for one year under her plan.
