the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton, NJ — New Jersey residents are bracing for a 20% spike in electricity bills this summer, and many are pointing the finger at Governor Phil Murphy’s controversial Energy Master Plan (EMP). The ambitious $1.4 trillion green energy overhaul aims to reshape the state’s power grid by 2050, but critics warn it has already triggered an energy crisis.
Energy Crisis Fueled by Plant Closures
Since 2017, New Jersey has shut down six major power plants, including five coal-fired stations and the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station. Together, these closures stripped the state of more than 2,500 megawatts of in-state capacity.
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Hudson Generating Station (Jersey City, 660 MW) – closed 2017
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Mercer Generating Station (Hamilton, 360 MW) – closed 2017
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B.L. England (Beesley’s Point, 450 MW) – closed 2019
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Logan Generating (219 MW) – closed 2022
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Chambers Cogen (244 MW) – closed 2022
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Oyster Creek Nuclear (Lacey Township, 652 MW) – closed 2018
With no large-scale replacements, New Jersey has been forced to import more electricity from neighboring states, exposing residents to volatile energy prices and grid reliability concerns.
Critics: Murphy’s Policies to Blame
While Democrats in Trenton cite climate change, data centers, and outside market factors, opponents argue the true cause lies in Murphy’s overly aggressive green agenda. Critics warn the state has moved too fast to eliminate traditional energy sources without building reliable alternatives.
Jack Ciattarelli, who ran against Murphy for governor, blasted the EMP as an “unaffordable and dangerous gamble,” accusing the administration of leaving New Jersey families to bear the financial burden.
Nuclear Retirement Deepens the Shortfall
The closure of Oyster Creek, once the nation’s oldest operating nuclear plant, dealt a particularly heavy blow. Nuclear power provided consistent, carbon-free base-load energy, and its loss has made the state more dependent on fossil fuel imports — ironically undercutting the very climate goals Murphy set out to achieve.
Energy Lessons from Abroad
The crisis mirrors Europe’s recent struggles, where over-reliance on renewable energy triggered widespread blackouts across Spain, Portugal, and France. The outages exposed the danger of eliminating traditional power without ensuring proper backup.
Trump Slams Renewables Amid Rising Costs
Adding fuel to the debate, former President Donald Trump recently declared his administration will block new wind and solar projects, blaming them for higher energy costs. “The days of stupidity are over in the USA,” Trump said on Truth Social, warning that aggressive renewable mandates threaten grid stability nationwide.
What It Means for New Jersey Residents
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Summer 2025 electric bills may rise 20%
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Families face higher costs as reliance on imports grows
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Critics warn grid reliability could falter during heatwaves or storms
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Murphy’s $1.4 trillion Energy Master Plan faces mounting scrutiny
As New Jersey households prepare for higher bills, the question remains: Can the state strike a balance between clean energy and affordability — or will residents continue to pay the price for rushed policies?
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