In a state where residents are increasingly pinching pennies at the pump and staring down shocking utility bills, energy costs have surged to the forefront of New Jersey’s 2025 governor’s race. The contest between Republican former gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli and Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill is no longer just about leadership style or party loyalty—it’s about who can deliver real relief on electricity and heating bills that are among the highest in the nation.
Why Energy Costs Are Dominating the Campaign Trail
New Jersey households are paying nearly 22% more for electricity than the national average, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. With winter approaching and natural gas prices volatile, voters are demanding answers. Both candidates have made energy affordability a cornerstone of their platforms, but their approaches couldn’t be more different.
Jack Ciattarelli’s Market-Driven Approach
Ciattarelli, who narrowly lost to Governor Phil Murphy in 2021, is doubling down on deregulation and fossil fuel infrastructure. He argues that expanding access to natural gas pipelines and rolling back certain clean energy mandates would immediately lower costs for families.
- Proposes pausing new offshore wind contracts to reassess rate impacts
- Supports fast-tracking permits for natural gas distribution upgrades
- Calls for greater competition among retail energy suppliers
“We can’t let well-intentioned environmental goals bankrupt working families,” Ciattarelli said at a recent town hall in Edison.
Mikie Sherrill’s Clean Energy Investment Strategy
Representative Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and moderate Democrat, contends that long-term savings come from investing in renewables and grid modernization. She points to federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act as a tool to cut costs while fighting climate change.
- Advocates for expanding home solar rebates and battery storage incentives
- Pushes for utility bill assistance programs for low- and middle-income households
- Supports accelerating offshore wind deployment to create jobs and stabilize prices
“Clean energy isn’t just good for the planet—it’s the most reliable path to lower, predictable energy bills,” Sherrill stated during a campaign stop in Camden.
By the Numbers: New Jersey’s Energy Reality
| Metric | New Jersey | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Average Residential Electricity Rate (¢/kWh) | 20.1 | 16.5 |
| Annual Household Electricity Cost | $1,850 | $1,520 |
| Renewable Portfolio Standard Target | 50% by 2030 | Varies by state |
Voters Speak: “It’s About Survival, Not Politics”
In focus groups across Monmouth and Bergen counties, residents consistently rank energy bills as a top concern—above even property taxes. “I’m choosing between heating my home and filling my prescription,” said Linda Morales, a retired teacher from Freehold. “I don’t care about party lines—I care who will cut my bill.”
What’s at Stake Beyond the Ballot Box
The outcome of this race could shape New Jersey’s energy trajectory for a decade. A Ciattarelli win might slow the state’s aggressive clean energy timeline, while a Sherrill victory would likely accelerate investments in wind, solar, and grid resilience—potentially raising short-term rates but promising long-term stability.
