Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio announced the formation of a legislative energy affordability task force focused on delivering immediate relief for New Jersey ratepayers and building long-term energy supply solutions.

It includes Assemblymen Alex Sauickie, Paul Kanitra, Christian Barranco and Michael Torrissi and Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia.

“We want to lower utility bills now and make sure New Jersey has a reliable, affordable energy future,” said DiMaio (R-Warren). “Republicans believe in smart, practical change, not radical policies that drive up costs for everyone.”

DiMaio noted that despite two recent joint Senate and Assembly hearings where the Board of Public Utilities, PJM, utility executives, the rate counsel and other key stakeholders testified on the causes of rising rates, Democrats continue to avoid serious solutions.

“In the face of clear evidence and expert testimony, Democrats are still pushing more bureaucracy instead of relief,” DiMaio said. “We must do better.”

The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee is advancing seven Democrat-sponsored bills Monday that target the Board of Public Utilities, but none offer direct relief to ratepayers. Instead, they create new studies and regulatory layers.

“Democrats are heavy on blame and light on solutions,” DiMaio added. “If they want to be serious about solutions, they need to start by acknowledging their role in the crisis.”

The GOP task force will deliver recommendations focused on: immediate actions to lower energy bills, expanding energy supply through practical, diversified sources and ensuring affordability.