New Jersey Electricity Affordability Emergency Order
Official: Executive Order No. 1 — Declaring an electricity affordability emergency, addressing affordability of electricity rates, and promoting electric utility accountability.
Reading: The document title names an emergency declaration and affordability objectives but provides no concrete policy action (new rule, rate change, funding, program, or enforcement mechanism) that advances, maintains, weakens, or repeals climate/energy/environmental protection.
The order sets up emergency measures to address the rising cost of electricity in the state.
In clear language
Governor Sherrill has declared that New Jersey is facing a crisis with electricity costs that are too high for many residents and businesses. This executive order aims to make electricity more affordable and hold utility companies more accountable for their pricing and service. The order sets up emergency measures to address the rising cost of electricity in the state.
How does this affect you?
Pick the type of resident or organization you most identify with — we'll generate a plain-language breakdown of what changes for you and what you can do about it.
Who does this affect?
- Residents struggling to pay their electricity bills
- Low-income households and families on fixed incomes
- Small businesses paying high electricity costs
- All New Jersey utility customers
- Electric utility companies operating in New Jersey
What can you do?
- Contact your utility company to ask about available assistance programs or bill payment plans if you're having trouble affording electricity
- Reach out to your local government representative to ask what emergency electricity assistance is available in your community
- Report unreasonable utility bills or service issues to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
Timeline
- 2026-01-20
In the press
Coverage in NJ.com reports that Governor Sherrill has taken action on her promise to address New Jersey's soaring electric rates through this executive order, though questions remain about whether the measures are sufficient to resolve the affordability crisis.
Coverage retrieved automatically from major and NJ outlets. Links go to the original reporting; the summary above draws only on these headlines.
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
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