Torrissi: Murphy’s Summer Utility “Credit” Is a Gimmick You Already Paid For
June 5, 2025, 1:43 pm | in
Torrissi: Murphy’s Summer Utility “Credit” Is a Gimmick You Already Paid For
6/5/2025
Assemblyman Michael Torrissi slammed Gov. Phil Murphy’s announcement Thursday that the state Board of Public Utilities will issue temporary bill credits this summer, calling it an election-year stunt to paper over skyrocketing electricity costs that Democrat policies helped create.
“This is smoke and mirrors,” said Torrissi (R-Atlantic), a member of the Republican Assembly Energy Affordability Task Force formed by GOP Leader John DiMaio last month. “The only reason they have money to hand out is because they’ve been quietly stuffing utility bills with hidden charges for years. Now, right before an election, they want credit for giving a little of it back.”
The Murphy administration’s announcement follows public backlash after it was revealed that utility companies had filed rate mitigation plans to delay but not reduce a 17% to 20% rate hike that took effect June 1. Under those plans, customers will still pay every penny of the increase, just spread out into the fall when energy usage typically drops.
Torrissi warned that the so-called “relief” will do nothing to address the root cause of New Jersey’s energy affordability crisis.
“People don’t want gimmicks. They want lower bills,” Torrissi said. “The solution isn’t in handing out credits from slush funds built on ratepayer backs. Working people need reliable energy, the elimination of costly mandates and holding Democrats accountable for accelerating a broken system.”
“This is just like the Democrats’ STAY NJ plan to cut property taxes. It was announced with fanfare, timed for an election, and years later still hasn’t delivered a dime in real relief,” Torrissi added.
Murphy made the announcement from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority office in Newark, flanked by top legislative Democrats and BPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy.
“Let’s be honest about what’s really going on here,” Torrissi added. “They’ve drained millions from ratepayers through these ‘societal benefits charges’ and now they’re trying to play the hero by tossing a few shekels back just long enough to get through the election. New Jerseyans deserve permanent, across-the-board relief, not political cover.”
