A recent survey highlights New Jersey voters' concerns over rising electricity costs and their preference for a more balanced energy approach. Conducted by Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future, the survey indicates that 80% of respondents find their electric bills too high and are worried about their economic future.
The findings reveal that 63% of voters favor political candidates advocating for increased natural gas use in the state's energy mix. In contrast, only 26% support continuing the current zero-carbon policies of the Murphy administration, with 11% undecided. Among independents, 69% prefer candidates supporting natural gas to enhance power supply and reduce prices.
The survey shows strong support (72%) for consumer choice in energy sources rather than shifting away from natural gas toward electrification. An "all-of-the-above energy strategy," integrating natural gas with renewable energy, garners support from 66% of participants as a solution to New Jersey's energy crisis.
Key statistics include:
- 82% express concern about their economic situation.
- 84% prioritize affordability in energy consumption, followed by reliability (66%) and climate change (40%).
New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities recently approved a 20% hike in electric rates due to increased demand and reduced supply. While the Murphy administration attributes this to PJM, the regional grid operator, NJBIA Deputy Chief Government Affairs Officer Ray Cantor suggests state policies also play a role by discouraging clean natural gas development.
Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter emphasizes the need for Democrats to adopt balanced energy policies focusing on affordability and addressing climate challenges. He states, “Advancing balanced energy policies that include renewables and natural gas is key.”
Survey results show solar power (66%) and natural gas (60%) as favored energy forms among voters. Nuclear (47%) and offshore wind (44%) are less popular but still significant. Notably, even Democrats view natural gas positively by a margin of 30 points.
Mike DuHaime from MAD Global Strategy underscores voter interest across political lines in balanced energy policies combining affordability with emission reduction through cooperation between natural gas, nuclear, and renewables.
With New Jersey set to elect a new governor and Assembly members this year—Gov. Phil Murphy is term-limited—the survey reflects critical voter sentiments ahead of Primary Day on June 10.
The survey involved responses from 500 registered New Jersey voters between May 14-18 as part of an eight-state regional study on energy issues. The margin of error for New Jersey-specific results is +/-4.38%.
