Trenton Democrats Block GOP Energy Relief Plan as NJ Families Face 20% Electric Bill Hike

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

TRENTON, NJ — August 2025: As New Jersey families brace for a 20% spike in electricity bills, Senate Republicans pushed for a series of amendments aimed at lowering costs and holding regulators accountable. But Trenton Democrats struck down the proposals, sparking frustration among lawmakers who say families are being left to struggle under failed energy policies.

GOP Pushes for Consumer Relief

Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25), joined by Senators Michael Testa (R-1), Holly Schepisi (R-39), Robert Singer (R-30), and Joe Pennacchio (R-26), offered amendments to bring transparency and financial relief to Garden State residents.

Bucco called for expanding oversight of rising energy rates to include PJM and the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), arguing the BPU is partly responsible for the energy crisis.

“Policies coming out of Trenton are contributing to skyrocketing energy bills,” said Bucco. “We need independent oversight, not the BPU investigating itself.”

BPU Under Fire

Senator Michael Testa, also a member of the Select Committee on Rising Energy Rates, compared giving the BPU oversight to “allowing the fox to watch the hen house.”

Senator Holly Schepisi echoed concerns, quoting a BPU insider who admitted that dissenting opinions are discouraged within the agency, calling its approval process “flawed” and “driven by expected results.”

Jobs and Energy Supply at Risk

Senator Robert Singer warned that energy shortages are already stifling job creation across New Jersey.

“You’ve got to put the problem at the foot of those who created it,” Singer said, urging accountability and reform.

Direct Relief Shot Down

Senator Joe Pennacchio proposed eliminating the Societal Benefits Charge and Sales Tax on electricity bills, which would have provided immediate savings for consumers. Democrats voted it down.

“Consumers are hurting,” Pennacchio said. “This amendment would have directly lowered utility bills, but Democrats refused to act.”

Republicans Say Solutions Ignored

Senate Republicans highlighted multiple bills they’ve introduced over the past two years, including:

• The Energy Security and Affordability Act (March 2024) – to stabilize energy costs.

• S-4398 (April 2025) – to suspend sales tax and fees on electric and gas bills.

• S-4285 (March 2025) – to abolish the BPU entirely.

Despite repeated efforts, GOP lawmakers say their proposals have been blocked in New Jersey’s one-party–controlled Legislature.

Why It Matters

With families already struggling from inflation and high taxes, the latest electricity hike is hitting wallets hard. Republicans argue that without real reform, New Jerseyans will continue paying the price for Trenton’s failed energy agenda.

Tell your story #TheRidgewoodblog , #Indpendentnews, #information, #advertise, #guestpost, #affiliatemarketing,#NorthJersey, #NJ , #News, #localnews, #bergencounty, #sponsoredpost, #SponsoredContent, #contentplacement , #linkplacement, Email: Onlyonesmallvoice@gmail.com