Benjamin Hertz-Shargel Confirmed as New BPU President

Our state has a new leader at the helm of its energy regulatory agency, and the appointment signals what could be a significant shift in how New Jersey approaches its energy future.

The state Senate has confirmed Benjamin Hertz-Shargel as a commissioner of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and with that confirmation, he immediately assumed the role of board president. Governor Mikie Sherrill appointed Hertz-Shargel to fill the seat previously held by Zenon Christodoulou. As board president, he also joins Sherrill's cabinet.

The leadership change comes at a critical moment for New Jersey ratepayers. Christine Guhl-Sadovy had served as board president since the death of then-president Joseph Fiordaliso in 2023, and she remains on the board as a commissioner.

The BPU wields considerable influence over our daily lives, serving as the state regulatory agency responsible for oversight of privately owned electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television companies. The board regulates utility rates, approves rate increases and reviews company infrastructure investments. Perhaps most significantly, the agency plays a major role in implementing the state's energy master plan—decisions that directly impact what we pay each month to keep our lights on and our homes heated or cooled.

Hertz-Shargel brings substantial private-sector experience to the role. Holding a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of California-Los Angeles, he most recently served as global head of Wood Mackenzie, a research and consultancy firm that provides data, analysis and strategy advice to several sectors, including the energy industry.

Upon his confirmation by the New Jersey Senate, Hertz-Shargel expressed enthusiasm for the work ahead. "Governor Sherrill has an ambitious agenda involving utility modernization, permitting reform, nuclear energy ... I can't wait to get to work," he said.

Governor Sherrill's vision for the BPU represents a notable departure from recent state energy policy. In announcing Hertz-Shargel's appointment, she emphasized practical concerns that resonate with families across our region: "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."

This approach marks a shift from the Murphy administration's energy policy, which centered on one of the nation's most ambitious goals: transitioning New Jersey to 100% clean energy by 2035. While environmentally forward-thinking, that stance created backlash as critics characterized the initiatives as hostile to economic growth. Public frustration mounted particularly during Murphy's final two years in office, when electricity rates soared across the state.

Sherrill has made energy affordability her top priority, acknowledging the financial strain many New Jersey families have experienced. "For too long, New Jersey families have had to pay the price for poor oversight, outdated policies, and rising demand on our electric grid by unchecked actors," the governor said. To achieve her goals, she's committed to employing an "all-of-the-above" energy policy—one that relies on a more diverse mix of energy sources than her predecessor favored.

Hertz-Shargel appears aligned with this pragmatic approach, stating that New Jersey is "poised to lead the nation on smart, responsible energy policy."

For residents throughout Cape May County and across New Jersey, the leadership change at the BPU could have tangible impacts on monthly utility bills, the reliability of our electric grid, and the balance between environmental goals and economic realities. As Hertz-Shargel settles into his new role, our community will be watching closely to see how his policies affect the energy landscape we all navigate.