The Garden State becomes latest to hold utilities accountable for decisions at PJM 

TRENTON, NJ – Today, Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation to shine a light on how New Jersey’s utilities vote at PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator serving the state. The new law, passed with broad bipartisan support, ensures state officials and the public have access to key information about utilities’ positions on decisions that directly affect electric rates and clean energy progress by requiring New Jersey utilities to report how they vote on matters before PJM, and to explain how those votes align with state policy.  

“For too long utilities have operated in the shadows at PJM, making decisions that directly impact our energy bills and clean energy progress. This law changes that,” said Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, the bill’s sponsor. “If a utility votes against New Jersey’s goals, they’ll have to explain themselves. Transparency is the new standard.” 

“Utilities vote at PJM on behalf of all of us, but until now, we’ve had no way of knowing whether they’re supporting the clean energy transition or slowing it down,” said Katie Mettle, New Jersey State Policy Lead at Advanced Energy United. “This law brings long-overdue transparency to PJM and gives the public a tool to hold utilities accountable. We applaud Governor Murphy and the Legislature for making this critical reform.” 

The law follows similar action in Maryland, where Gov. Wes Moore signed a nearly identical bill earlier this year. New Jersey is now the third state in the PJM region to require utility transparency at the grid operator level; a growing regional trend aimed at aligning grid governance with state climate and energy goals.