New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed two bills on Friday aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in how regional grid operator PJM Interconnection makes decisions — moves the administration says are needed as New Jersey residents face skyrocketing electricity bills this summer – and possibly next summer as well.

The new laws focus on reforming PJM’s capacity market practices and shedding light on how member utilities vote on key grid issues.

PJM Interconnection, the company which operates the electric grid for New Jersey and 12 other states, provides electricity to states and utility companies, including JCP&L and PSE&G.

“These bills complement our long-term plan of action to hold PJM responsible for hardworking New Jerseyans’ skyrocketing electricity bills and a lack of new energy generation,” Murphy said. “We are committed to creating a system that is fairer and more transparent… a necessary change from the opaque practices that have, for too long, defined PJM.”

Under the first bill, the state Board of Public Utilities (BPU) will examine whether PJM’s Reliability Pricing Model — used to secure resources at annual capacity auctions — is meeting its goal of delivering adequate electricity at the lowest possible cost. The BPU must report its findings to the governor and legislature within a year and continue advocating for reforms alongside other PJM states to boost supply, protect ratepayers, and prioritize clean energy.

Earlier this year, in explaining the increased electric costs, PJM said their electric capacity prices have reached record totals, increasing by roughly 800% over the previous year.

The second measure he signed today requires electric utilities and their affiliates operating in New Jersey to disclose their votes at PJM to the BPU annually, along with explanations of how each decision aligns with the state’s goals of affordability, reliability, and sustainability.

Murphy’s office noted that New Jersey has repeatedly urged PJM to improve market rules, sending multiple letters to the PJM Board of Managers and making filings with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission since the June 2024 capacity auction. The state has also been working to expand in-state generation to meet growing demand.

In New Jersey, there are several assistance programs available for people who are having trouble paying their electricity bills: Universal Service Fund, Fresh Start Program, Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) Program, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Lifeline, NJ Shares, and NJ Comfort Partners.

Additionally, the Winter Termination Program is a utility-led program that protects qualifying ratepayers from service disruption during the winter months from November 15 until March 15.