Sherrill taps Hertz-Shargel to lead NJBPU

The basics:

• Sherrill nominates Hertz-Shargel to New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
• Hertz-Shargel would become NJBPU president upon Senate confirmation
• Energy expert has experience in grid modernization, utility planning
• Appointment comes amid efforts to address rising utility costs and energy supply

Gov. Mikie Sherrill nominated Ben Hertz-Shargel June 5 to serve as a commissioner on the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. The governor also said she will appoint him president of NJBPU upon Senate confirmation.

Hertz-Shargel currently serves as global head of grid edge at Wood Mackenzie. He would succeed Christine Guhl-Sadovy as president of the state’s utility regulator. Guhl-Sadovy has led the agency since September 2023. She will remain on the board as a commissioner.

Hertz-Shargel has worked in energy analytics and grid modernization roles across the private sector. His past experience includes advising utilities and financial firms on electrification, distributed energy resources and power system planning. He previously held leadership roles at EnergyHub and Rhythm focused on demand management and grid services.

The announcement comes as residents and businesses continue to face higher energy bills. The Sherrill administration is focusing on utility costs and energy supply. The efforts follow recent executive orders declaring a state of emergency on utility costs, freezing rate increases and directing accelerated development of new energy resources.

Pivotal time

“I am thrilled to nominate Ben Hertz-Shargel to lead the Board of Public Utilities,” said Sherrill. “Ben brings a rare combination of technical expertise, leadership experience, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our energy system.

“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 said he looks forward to working with stakeholders across the state on energy affordability and reliability.

“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 Gov. Sherrill’s leadership, is poised to lead the nation on smart, responsible energy policy,” said Hertz-Shargel. “I look forward to working with Gov. 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.”

Sherrill also praised Guhl-Sadovy for her leadership of the agency.

“I also want to thank President Christine Guhl-Sadovy for her leadership over the last several years, especially over the last six months. She has served New Jersey with dedication, distinction, and a strong commitment to the public interest, and I am grateful for her continued service as a Commissioner,” she said.