Mikie Sherrill was officially sworn in today as the 57th Governor of New Jersey during a ceremony held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. Within hours of taking office, Governor Sherrill declared a statewide State of Emergency focused on rising utility costs, signaling that lowering electric bills will be a top priority of her administration.

Sherrill, only the second woman to serve as New Jersey governor, used her inaugural address to highlight the financial strain many families are facing due to high energy prices. She announced immediate executive actions aimed at stopping further electric rate increases and expanding affordable energy production across the state.

Emergency Orders Target Rising Electric Bills

As part of the emergency declaration, Governor Sherrill signed executive orders directing the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to take swift action against planned rate hikes. The orders give regulators the authority to pause or modify future increases that could raise monthly electric bills for residents.

State agencies were also instructed to review how utility companies structure fees and charges to ensure customers are not overburdened with unnecessary costs. This includes examining additional charges on bills that often drive up total expenses for households.

Expanding Energy Production for Long-Term Relief

Beyond immediate relief, Sherrill announced plans to accelerate the development of new energy sources within New Jersey. Her administration is pushing for faster approval of solar energy projects, battery storage systems, and the creation of a Nuclear Power Task Force to study potential expansion of nuclear energy.

By increasing in-state energy production, officials hope to stabilize supply and reduce dependence on costly outside sources. The long-term goal is to create a more affordable and reliable energy system for residents and businesses alike.

What New Jersey Families Can Expect

Short-Term Relief:

Planned electric rate increases are expected to be frozen, preventing sudden spikes in household energy bills.

Possible Bill Credits:

State regulators may issue credits or adjustments to help offset recent or upcoming energy costs.

More Affordable Energy in the Future:

Expanded solar, battery, and nuclear energy projects aim to lower long-term electricity prices.

Greater Oversight of Utility Companies:

The state will closely monitor how utilities charge customers and how those funds are used.

Why This Matters

New Jersey residents have faced rising energy costs over the past several years, putting pressure on household budgets, especially for working families and seniors on fixed incomes. Governor Sherrill’s early action represents one of the strongest efforts by a new administration to directly address utility affordability.

Her emergency declaration signals a shift toward aggressive state intervention to protect consumers and ensure essential services remain affordable for all New Jersey residents.

Sources

• New Jersey Governor’s Office

• Associated Press

• Jersey Vindicator

• InsiderNJ

• NJ1015