Industry experts will discuss New Jersey’s energy future, one of the state’s most daunting challenges, at 2 p.m. on July 9, during an online panel hosted by the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University.

The panel will help residents understand the causes of soaring utility bills, discuss the energy challenges the state is facing, examine how to balance the need for increased supply and affordability with carbon reduction goals, and present their vision for the way forward.  

New Jersey energy customers are dealing with rising electricity costs as the demand for electricity soars in the summer months. In an attempt to ease the price hit, Gov. Phil Murphy in June announced a plan in which the state government would provide $430 million with “direct economic relief” to New Jersey energy customers.  

The discussion will be moderated by Rebecca Freed, partner at the law firm K&L Gates, who has worked with utility firms, solar companies, and offshore wind businesses to navigate complex regulatory frameworks.

The panelists are:

Erick Ford, president of the New Jersey Energy Coalition. Ford has nearly two decades of public-sector leadership and private sector experience in the energy industry. He brings an understanding of strategies to shape and affect policy through collaboration with trade groups, community groups, business and municipal stakeholders.

Richard Henning, president and CEO of the New Jersey Utilities Association. Henning provides strategic direction and sets policy for NJUA members and represents utilities in various political and governmental activities in New Jersey. This includes legislative, executive, administrative, and regulatory state governmental operations.

Christina Renna, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey. Renna has direct oversight of the chamber’s work in public policy, education and workforce development, and membership growth and retention. She has experience in state government, government affairs, constituent relations, and communications.

The panel follows a new Stockton poll that showed that a plurality of New Jerseyans said affordability should be the top priority when it comes to state energy policy, and that most residents want to move toward a clean energy future where renewable energy is prioritized over fossil fuels.

“This event couldn’t be more timely as we navigate a changing energy landscape and prepare for a new administration tasked with shaping policy at a time when residents are struggling with rising utility costs,” said Alyssa Maurice, head of research at the Hughes Center.