The state Board of Public Utilities Wednesday presented and adopted a 116-page cost impact study associated with New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan. The report concludes that electrification will lead to lower energy bills but BPU President Joe Fiordaliso says it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact amount, especially in light of the new climate bill signed by President Biden, which might mean more clean energy funds coming to New Jersey. The report reveals a range of outcomes. In broad terms, the shift to clean energy could increase rates by 10% to 20% if a ratepayer chooses to do nothing; half of that cost would be due to inflation. But utility bills could drop by 10% to 20% if residents reduce their energy use and shift to electric cars and other energy-efficient products.
Gov. Phil Murphy says he supports a proposal to widen the New Jersey Turnpike in north Jersey even as some local officials and activists oppose it. The $4.7 billion proposal would widen the highway through an 8-mile stretch between the Holland Tunnel and Newark Bay. During an appearance on News 12 New Jersey earlier this week, the governor said the plan is “quite ambitious and it’s needed.” The widening project is included in the New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s capital plan and would be funded by a toll increase that took effect in 2020.
Total gambling revenue in New Jersey increased 6.7% in July, according to the latest figures from the Division of Gaming Enforcement. Gains were even stronger for internet gaming but sports betting revenue decreased as New Jersey now faces competition from New York, which launched mobile sports betting earlier this year. Meantime, some Atlantic City casinos are still struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels, in terms of the amount won from gamblers who are on the casino floor.
An assistance program in Newark borne out of the pandemic is pivoting its focus to provide long-term economic support for the city. Newark-based Audible has launched a food delivery platform known as NWK Delivers. Audible’s vice president of urban innovation Aisha Glover says this is the next phase of Audible’s successful Newark Working Kitchens program, which provided 1.5 million meals to residents in need while supporting local restaurants. Audible will continue to donate meals to needy residents for each meal order placed on the app.
