Gov. Mikie Sherrill Declares State Of Emergency On Utility Costs

In her first official act as governor, Mikie Sherrill declared a State of Emergency on utility costs, signing two executive orders during her inauguration speech Tuesday to halt rising electricity bills and fast-track new in-state power generation.

The Brief

• Gov. Sherrill signed two executive orders immediately after being sworn in.

• The orders declare a State of Emergency on utility costs statewide.

• Sherrill pledged the day-one action during her campaign.

What We Know

• Sherrill was sworn in as New Jersey’s 57th governor, becoming only the second woman to hold the office.

• During her inaugural address, she paused to sign Executive Orders No. 1 and No. 2, targeting soaring utility rates.

• The actions aim to provide immediate relief to ratepayers by freezing certain rate hikes and using emergency authority to expand power generation—solar and battery storage in the short term, with nuclear power as a long-term option—to help lower electric bills.

What They’re Saying

Sherrill emphasized urgency and accountability in her remarks:

“I promised the people of New Jersey bold action to lower utility costs—and today, I’m delivering. Trenton will no longer accept the status quo while families pay higher bills. These executive orders will deliver relief to consumers, stop rate hikes, and create the conditions to expand in-state power generation so New Jerseyans can see lower costs.”

The Executive Orders, Explained

Executive Order No. 1

• Uses existing funds to offset electricity bill increases expected in June

• Authorizes the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to pause or modify actions that could raise bills

• Directs a review of utility business models to ensure they align with cost reductions for ratepayers

Executive Order No. 2

• Formally declares a State of Emergency

• Launches and expands expedited state programs to rapidly increase in-state power generation capacity