Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced Friday that she will nominate Ben Hertz-Shargel to serve as a commissioner and president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, the state’s energy regulatory body.
Sherrill has made energy affordability a tenet of her gubernatorial campaign and governance, and she said the nomination continues her efforts of “lowering utility costs, rapidly expanding energy supply, and addressing the underlying drivers of rising energy prices.” Hertz-Shargel works as the “Global Head of Grid Edge” at Wood Mackenzie, an international energy research and consultation firm.
“Ben brings a rare combination of technical expertise, leadership experience, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our energy system,” Sherrill said. “The Board of Public Utilities will play a central role in our efforts to lower energy costs for families, strengthen reliability, increase accountability, and implement an all-of-the-above energy strategy that supports economic growth, and Ben is the right leader to oversee this critical work.”
Hertz-Shargel will succeed Christine Guhl-Sadovy, who former Gov. Phil Murphy tapped for the BPU presidency in 2023.
During her inaugural address, Sherrill signed a pair of executive orders declaring a state of emergency over energy prices and asking the BPU to freeze rate hikes.
Hertz-Shargel is now tasked with moving the BPU forward as pressure piles on and energy costs rise.
“At a time when families and businesses are being crushed by rising utility costs over the past few years, New Jersey is charting a new path forward and, with Governor Sherrill’s leadership, is poised to lead the nation on smart, responsible energy policy,” Hertz-Shargel said. “I look forward to working with Governor Sherrill, my fellow commissioners, utilities, consumer advocates, labor partners, and communities across the state to deliver reliable utility service and advance energy policies that are affordable, accountable, and responsive to the needs of New Jerseyans.”
Hertz-Shargel’s nomination now lies before the State Senate.
