Governor Phil Murphy on Friday signed two pieces of legislation aimed at expanding New Jersey’s renewable energy infrastructure and lowering electricity costs. The measures direct the state to accelerate its community solar program and establish new incentives for large-scale energy storage projects.
At a bill signing ceremony in Lawrenceville, Murphy said the legislation represents “immediate and far-reaching steps to lower energy costs” while creating clean energy jobs and strengthening the electric grid.
One measure, S4530/A5768, requires the Board of Public Utilities to register an additional 3,000 megawatts of community solar projects by October 2025. Officials said the expansion is expected to provide solar power to roughly 450,000 more residents, including 250,000 low-income families, by 2028.
The second bill, A5267/S4289, creates an incentive program for transmission-scale energy storage facilities. The program is designed to help the state reach its goal of 2,000 megawatts of storage capacity by 2030, stabilizing the grid and supporting renewable energy integration.
Under the Murphy administration, New Jersey’s solar capacity has grown from 2.4 gigawatts to 5.2 gigawatts, powering the equivalent of more than 600,000 homes.
But the bills come amid a broader debate over rising energy costs in New Jersey, an issue that has become central in the state’s governor’s race.
Democratic candidate Rep. Mikie Sherrill unveiled her own energy plan this week, promising to declare a “state of emergency” over utility bills if elected. Standing with supporters in Kenilworth, Sherrill pledged to freeze rates on her first day in office and to fast-track solar, battery storage, nuclear, and natural gas upgrades.
“More power generation means lower bills,” Sherrill said, adding that she would direct the attorney general to take legal action against regional grid operator PJM, which she blamed for mismanagement.
Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli strongly criticized Sherrill, accusing her of backing Murphy’s “failed energy policies” that he said contributed to higher costs. He pledged to ban offshore wind development, expand natural gas and nuclear power, and rewrite the state’s Energy Master Plan.
“While residents are being crushed by energy costs, Sherrill is growing her wealth on the backs of the same people she claims to represent,” Ciattarelli said, citing her family’s investments in energy companies.
Environmental groups have praised the Murphy administration’s approach and Sherrill’s proposals as forward-looking, while Ciattarelli and Republicans argue that clean energy mandates have added financial strain to consumers.
