New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker sign energy affordability bills

Governor Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey signed three bills aimed at lowering electricity costs. The legislation requires all transmission facilities to join the PJM Interconnection, strengthens state oversight of utility investments, and creates a Data Center Fair Share rate class. The governor also announced a $25 credit for every ratepayer and an additional $150 credit for low‑ to moderate‑income households. Republicans criticized the measures for focusing on regulation rather than new in‑state generation.

Governor J. B. Pritzker of Illinois signed two bills to expand low‑income utility discounts and increase billing transparency. The first expands a discount program for low‑income electric and gas customers, raising eligibility to 300 % of the federal poverty level. The second requires the state’s forecasting agency to publish a line‑by‑line report of utility charges, aiming to make utilities more accountable.

Both states aim to reduce energy costs for consumers while enhancing oversight of utility practices.