TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey’s governing board of public utilities is asking energy companies in the state to come up with a plan to delay a scheduled rate hike that could push bills as high as 20% on June 1.
The ask came during a New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) hearing on Wednesday, where Board Commissioner Zenon Christodolou was critical of his colleagues for refusing to listen to concerns about changes to community solar programs.
Gov. Phil Murphy’s office issued a statement on Wednesday celebrating the board’s approved expansion of the state’s community solar program, which it said will increase energy capacity and lower costs.
Christodolou said his colleagues’ refusals are part of a larger problem at the BPU, where he said predetermined outcomes, not actual results, drive analysis and policy.
“And I continue to observe that outside opinions, including mine and others, are dismissed and marginalized,” said Christodolou. “This flawed internal process worries me deeply.”
The commissioner was countered by Board President Christine Guhl-Sadovy.
“We had a lot of dialogue about this particular agenda item over the last several months, and we can’t always come to a unanimous position, and I think that’s okay.”