On Thursday, June 5, Governor Murphy and legislative leaders announced a new proposal to provide short-term utility bill relief to New Jersey households using funds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), Solar Alternative Compliance Payments, and the Clean Energy Fund. While aimed at lowering costs for residents amid rising energy prices, the plan would divert funding from long-term climate and clean energy programs to offer short-term financial assistance to all ratepayers, regardless of income level.
In response, New Jersey Policy Perspective (NJPP) issues the following statement.
Alex Ambrose, Policy Analyst, NJPP:
“We appreciate that the Governor and lawmakers are taking seriously the strain high energy costs place on families, but how we deliver relief matters. Diverting funds from RGGI and the Clean Energy Fund risks weakening the very programs that lower long-term costs, strengthen our grid, and create local jobs. Lawmakers should prioritize targeted, sustainable solutions, like expanding the Whole House Pilot, scaling up Community Solar, and extending the Winter Termination Program to support those who need it most, without compromising our clean energy future.”
Read more about New Jersey’s rising electricity rates.
Read more about New Jersey’s history of Clean Energy Fund diversions.
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