FDU Poll Finds NJ Voters Blame Utility Companies, Gov. Murphy for Price Hikes
Little Change in Views of How to Deal with Supply Issues
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ, 7 August 2025 – With New Jersey voters having experienced spiking electricity bills, the FDU Poll revisited questions about energy from earlier in the year to see how views in the state have changed. In the latest results from the FDU Poll, in partnership with the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey, voters say that utility companies are to blame for the increased power costs, even as their views of what should be done about them have remained largely stable. At the same time, independent voters have become more likely to say that the state should just skip investments in data centers that have been touted as an important path towards economic growth.
“The narrative about these price increases is still very much up in the air,” said Dan Cassino, a Professor of Government and Politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and the Executive Director of the FDU Poll. “But the fact that we’re not seeing movement in how people view the supply side of the issue points to a real lack of leadership on these matters.”
While Democratic leaders in the state – including Governor Murphy, Senate President Nicholas Scutari, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin – have spoken out against grid operator PJM, a provider of power generated in other states, blaming it for price hikes, voters tend to blame utility companies and politicians for their increased bills. When asked who is most responsible for the price hikes, 26 percent name utility companies; 19 percent blame Governor Murphy. Just 10 percent say that energy producers are at fault.
More than half of Republicans (51 percent) blame the Governor (33 percent) or the state legislature (18 percent); Democrats tend to blame utility companies (31 percent) and the federal government (22 percent) instead.
“The bottom line is that people in New Jersey don’t really know why their electric bills are going up, so they’re blaming whoever they don’t like,” said Cassino. “Republicans blame Democrats in state government; Democrats blame Trump and what they see as greedy companies.”
Revisiting questions first asked in February, the survey asked about energy production preferences in two different contexts. First, respondents were asked about what should be done to meet the demands of data centers and other projects being built in the state. Then, they were asked about energy production in the context of home technology seen as environmentally friendly, like heat pumps and electric cars.
“The state legislature can write checks to ease the shock of higher bills, but the only long-term solutions are reduced usage or increased capacity,” said Cassino. “And right now, there’s no consensus on how to get that extra capacity.”
To meet the energy demands of data centers for cryptocurrencies and AI which have been touted by the Murphy administration as being linked to economic development in the state, 34 percent of respondents say that the state should get more energy from nuclear power and 29 percent prefer more natural gas plants. One-quarter (25 percent) said that we just shouldn’t be building these kinds of data centers right now.
These figures are very similar to when the same question was asked in February of this year. Since February, support for nuclear and natural gas plants among voters overall have remained stable, but there has been a six-point increase in the proportion of voters who say that the state should forego these kinds of investments (from 19 percent in February to 25 percent now). The comparison with February also shows a seven-point increase among Democrats in support for more power from natural gas plants (from 22 percent in February to 29 percent now). At the same time, independents became less likely to say that they support building more natural gas plants, with support moving from natural gas plants to just not building these kinds of data centers.
“Politicians can say whatever they want, but the public continues to support an all of the above energy policy,” said Eric DeGesero, Executive Vice President of the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey. “Green power isn’t being artificially kept off the grid; it’s just too unreliable right now to be the center of any energy plan. We’ll see what the public thinks after a summer of record high electric bills.”
Overall, about the same number of New jersey voters say that the state should focus on natural gas, green energy and nuclear power. But those views are strongly tied to partisanship: Democrats prefer green energy developments by a wide margin over the other options (54 percent, versus 22 percent for nuclear and 17 percent for natural gas), while Republicans favor natural gas (38 percent) and nuclear (36 percent) over green energy development (21 percent).
The FDU Poll is a proud member of the AAPOR Transparency Initiative and is devoted to ensuring that our results are presented in such a way that anyone can quickly and easily get all of the information that they may need to evaluate the validity of our surveys. We believe that transparency is the key to building trust in the work of high-quality public opinion research, and necessary to push our industry forward.
The survey was conducted between July 17 and 23, 2025, using a voter list of registered voters in New Jersey carried out by Braun Research of Princeton, New Jersey. Contact attempts were limited to registered voters who had voted in one or both of the last two NJ gubernatorial elections or were newly registered since the last NJ gubernatorial election. These respondents were considered likely voters if they met these criteria and said that they intended to vote in November’s gubernatorial election.
Respondents were contacted via either live caller telephone interviews, or text-to-web surveys sent to cellular phones, resulting in an overall sample of 806 registered voters in the state. Surveys were carried out via live caller telephone interviews to landlines (282) and cellphones (82) and the remainder (442) were done on a web platform via weblinks sent via SMS to cell phones. Surveys were conducted only in English.
The data were weighted to be representative of the population of registered voters in New Jersey. The weights used, like all weights, balance the demographic characteristics of the sample to match known population parameters. The weighted results used here are balanced to match parameters for sex, age, education and race/ethnicity.
SPSSINC RAKE, an SPSS extension module that simultaneously balances the distributions of all variables using the GENLOG procedure, was used to produce final weights. Weights were trimmed to prevent individual interviews from having too much influence on the final results. The use of these weights in statistical analysis helps to ensure that the demographic characteristics of the sample approximate the demographic characteristics of the target population. The size of these weights is used to construct the measure of design effects, which indicate the extent to which the reported results are being driven by the weights applied to the data, rather than found in the data itself. Simply put, these design effects tell us how many additional respondents would have been needed to get the weighted number of respondents across weighted categories: larger design effects indicate greater levels of under-representation in the data. In this case, calculated design effects are approximately 1.2, largely driven by the weights used on the race/ethnicity variable.
All surveys are subject to sampling error, which is the expected probable difference between interviewing everyone in a population versus a scientific sampling drawn from that population. Sampling error should be adjusted to recognize the effect of weighting the data to better match the population. In this poll, the simple sampling error for 806 registered voters is +/-3.4 percentage points, at a 95 percent confidence interval. Including the design effects, the margin of error would be +/-3.9 percentage points, though the figure not including them is much more commonly reported.
This error calculation does not take into account other sources of variation inherent in public opinion studies, such as non-response, question wording, differences in translated forms, or context effects. While such errors are known to exist, they are often unquantifiable within a particular survey, and all efforts, such as randomization and extensive pre-testing of items, have been used to minimize them.
806 Likely Voters in New Jersey
Figures do not include individuals who declined to answer demographic items.
Man
47% N = 375
Woman
51% N = 414
Some Other Way
1% N = 6
18-30
16% N = 128
31-44
22% N = 179
45-64
32% N = 262
65+
30% N = 237
White
68% N = 550
Black
12% N = 95
Hispanic/Latino/a
12% N = 96
Asian
3% N = 25
MENA
2% N = 12
Other/Multi-racial
3% N = 27
No college degree
57% N = 458
College degree or more
42% N = 334
Democrat (including leaners)
45% N = 324
Independent (no lean)
16% N = 115
Republican (including leaners)
38% N = 272
First off, we’d like to ask you about this Fall’s race for governor.
NJ1. In this November’s gubernatorial election, do you think you will vote for the Democrat Mikie Sherrill, the Republican Jack Ciattarelli, or do you think you’ll not vote? [Shuffle order of Sherrill and Ciattarelli in question]
- Definitely vote for Democrat Mikie Sherrill
- Probably vote for Sherrill
- Definitely vote for Republican Jack Ciattarelli
- Probably vote for Republican Jack Ciattarelli
- Probably won’t vote
- Not sure [Vol]
- Vote for Someone else [Vol]
- [DK/REF]
Respondents are randomly assigned (50/50) to get either:
NJ1 -> Local Items -> NJ2 -> National Items or
NJ1 -> National Items -> NJ2 -> Local Items
While the news is full of national issues, there is a lot going on in New Jersey politics right now…
L1. The governor has announced plans to build New Jersey’s economy by attracting data centers for cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence models to New Jersey. Along with more electric cars and energy efficient homes, these efforts will require New Jersey to generate more electricity in coming years. Efforts to build more green energy plants have stalled, and the state has already faced service disruptions, so we have some tough choices to make. What do you think we should do? Should we…
- Make greater use of nuclear energy plants?
- Build more natural gas power plants?
- Not make investments that would require us to generate more electricity?
- [Vol] Don’t Know
- [Vol] Refused
L2. Widespread adoption of some technology seen as more environmentally friendly, like electric cars and residential heat pumps, will require more electricity than New Jersey can currently provide. If you had to choose, what kind of power plants should New Jersey focus on building?
- Green energy plants, which may be more expensive than other options and won’t be available for at least a few years.
- Natural gas plants, which are cheaper than other options, but raise concerns about climate change.
- Nuclear plants, which don’t contribute to climate change, but make some people nervous.
- [Vol] Don’t Know
- [Vol] Refused
L3. How concerned are you that extreme weather events, such as floods, will increase the amount of property and infrastructure damage experienced by New Jersey over the next few years – very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned, or not at all concerned?
- Very concerned
- Somewhat concerned
- Not too concerned
- Not at all concerned
- [vol] DK/Ref
L4. Should New Jersey state government be doing more, less, or about the same as it is now to protect our buildings, coastlines, water supply, and energy and transportation infrastructure from the damage caused by extreme weather events?
- More
- Less
- About the same
- [vol] DK/Ref
L5. How important is it for New Jersey to invest in projects that will reduce flood risks, strengthen our infrastructure, protect our water supply, and make communities more resilient to extreme weather events – very important, somewhat important, not too important, not at all important?
- Very important
- Somewhat important
- Not too important
- Not at all important
- [vol] DK/Ref
L6. Do you support or oppose establishing a three billion dollar ($3 billion) public bond in New Jersey specifically to fund projects that reduce flood risks, strengthen our infrastructure, protect our water supply, and make our communities more resilient. [Do you support/oppose this strongly or only somewhat?]
- Strongly support
- Somewhat support
- Somewhat oppose
- Strongly oppose
- [vol] DK/Ref]
L7. If you were to give NJ Transit a letter grade, like students get in school, what grade would you give NJ Transit? An A, a B, a C, a D or an F?
- A
- B
- C
- D
- F
- Not Sure [VOL]
- DK/Ref [VOL]
L8. If you had to pick one, who do you think is most responsible for the increased energy bills New Jersey homeowners are seeing this summer?
- The governor
- The state legislature
- The federal government
- Utility companies
- Energy producers
- Not Sure [VOL]
- DK/Ref [VOL]
[Intervening items held for later release]
Before getting back to New Jersey issues, we’d like to ask a few questions about national politics.
N1. Do you approve, or disapprove, of the job Donald Trump is doing as President?
- Approve
- Disapprove
- Not Sure [Vol]
- DK/Ref [vol]
[Randomly assign to N2A or N2B]
N2A. Earlier this month, President Trump signed a budget bill. The bill cuts spending on medical care and gives substantial tax breaks to wealthier Americans among other things. On the whole, do you support or oppose this bill?
- Support
- Oppose
- Not Sure [Vol]
- DK/Ref [vol]
N2B. Earlier this month, President Trump signed a budget bill. The bill cuts spending on medical care and gives substantial tax breaks to wealthier Americans among other things, like temporarily increasing how much of their property taxes homeowners can deduct from their taxes. On the whole, do you support or oppose this bill?
- Support
- Oppose
- Not Sure [Vol]
- DK/Ref [vol]
N3. When it comes to deporting immigrants who are living in the U.S. illegally, would you say the Trump administration is doing…
- Too much
- Too Little
- About the right amount
N4. Regardless of your own immigration or citizenship status, how much, if at all, do you worry that you, a family member, or a close friend could be deported?
- A Lot
- Some
- Not Much
- Not at All
NJ2. Just to confirm, in this November’s gubernatorial election, do you think you will vote for the Democrat Mikie Sherrill, the Republican Jack Ciattarelli, or do you think you’ll not vote? [Shuffle order of Sherrill and Ciattarelli in question]
- Definitely vote for Democrat Mikie Sherrill
- Probably vote for Sherrill
- Definitely vote for Republican Jack Ciattarelli
- Probably vote for Republican Jack Ciattarelli
- Probably won’t vote
- Not sure [Vol]
- Vote for Someone else [Vol]
- [DK/REF]
Demographics
Just a few more questions, for statistical purposes
D1. In politics today, do you consider yourself a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or something else?
- Democrat
- Republican
- Independent [ASK D1A]
- Something Else/Other
- DK/Ref [vol]
D1A. [Ask only if D1 is 3] Which way do you lean?
- Democrat
- Republican
- Independent
- Something Else/Other
- DK/Ref [vol]
D1B. In addition, which of the following terms would you use to describe your political views? You can choose as many as you like. [Shuffle Order]
- Liberal
- Moderate
- Conservative
- Socialist
- Progressive
- Libertarian
- Make America Great Again or MAGA
- Nationalist
D2A. To ensure we are reaching people of all ages, would you please tell me your age?
____ (ENTER AGE: 98=98+, 99 = REFUSED)
[IF Don’t Know/REFUSED IN QD1, ASK:]
D2B. Would you be willing to tell us whether it’s between…?
- Under 30
- 31 to 44
- 45 to 64
- 65 or over
- [Refused]
D6. Do you own or rent your current residence?
- Own [or have a mortgage]
- Rent
- Something else [vol]
- DK/REF [vol]
D3. What was the last grade in school you completed? [CODE TO LIST]
- Did not complete High School
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Vocational or Trade School
- Some college, but no degree
- Associates, or other 2 year degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Graduate work, such as Law, MBA, Medical School, or similar
- Refused (VOL)
D4. How would you describe your sex? Do you describe yourself as …
- A Man
- A Woman
- Some other way
- [DK/REF]
D5. How would you describe your racial and ethnic background? You can pick as many as you’d like.
- White
- Black
- Asian
- Hispanic/Latino/a/Spanish
- Middle Eastern or North African (MENA)
- Other or Multi-Racial
- [Dk/Ref]
See the previous section for the full question wording
|
What do you think we should do? Should we… |
|||||
|
|
All |
Feb |
Dem |
Indp |
Rep |
|
More Nuclear? |
34% |
34% |
31% |
30% |
42% |
|
More Natural Gas? |
29% |
29% |
29% |
26% |
34% |
|
Not Make Investments? |
25% |
19% |
25% |
37% |
15% |
|
Don’t Know |
9% |
17% |
12% |
7% |
7% |
|
Refused |
2% |
1% |
3% |
– |
2% |
|
What do you think we should do? Should we… |
||||||
|
|
Dem – Now |
Dem – Feb |
Indp – Now |
Indp – Feb |
Rep – Now |
Rep – Feb |
|
More Nuclear? |
31% |
30% |
30% |
31% |
42% |
40% |
|
More Natural Gas? |
29% |
22% |
26% |
39% |
34% |
37% |
|
Not Make Investments? |
25% |
22% |
37% |
17% |
15% |
13% |
|
Don’t Know |
12% |
24% |
7% |
11% |
7% |
9% |
|
Refused |
3% |
2% |
– |
1% |
2% |
1% |
|
What do you think we should do? Should we… |
|||||
|
|
Liberal |
Moderate |
Conservative |
Progressive |
MAGA |
|
More Nuclear? |
31% |
34% |
39% |
32% |
43% |
|
More Natural Gas? |
29% |
30% |
34% |
25% |
31% |
|
Not Make Investments? |
25% |
20% |
19% |
20% |
17% |
|
Don’t Know |
12% |
15% |
6% |
20% |
7% |
|
Refused |
3% |
1% |
2% |
3% |
2% |
|
What do you think we should do? Should we… |
|||
|
|
Overall |
Men |
Women |
|
More Nuclear? |
34% |
46% |
23% |
|
More Natural Gas? |
29% |
28% |
30% |
|
Not Make Investments? |
25% |
18% |
32% |
|
Don’t Know |
9% |
5% |
13% |
|
Refused |
2% |
2% |
1% |
|
If you had to choose, what kind of power plants should New Jersey focus on building? |
|||||
|
|
All |
Feb |
Dem |
Indp |
Rep |
|
Green Energy |
38% |
30% |
54% |
30% |
21% |
|
Natural Gas |
29% |
32% |
17% |
38% |
38% |
|
Nuclear |
29% |
29% |
22% |
28% |
36% |
|
Don’t Know |
4% |
8% |
5% |
3% |
4% |
|
Refused |
1% |
1% |
2% |
– |
1% |
|
If you had to choose, what kind of power plants should New Jersey focus on building? |
||||||
|
|
Dem – Now |
Dem – Feb |
Indp – Now |
Indp – Feb |
Rep – Now |
Rep – Feb |
|
Green Energy |
54% |
51% |
30% |
24% |
21% |
10% |
|
Natural Gas |
17% |
16% |
38% |
38% |
38% |
53% |
|
Nuclear |
22% |
22% |
28% |
32% |
36% |
33% |
|
Don’t Know |
5% |
10% |
3% |
5% |
4% |
3% |
|
Refused |
2% |
1% |
– |
|
1% |
0% |
|
If you had to choose, what kind of power plants should New Jersey focus on building? |
|||||
|
|
Liberal |
Moderate |
Conservative |
Progressive |
MAGA |
|
Green Energy |
60% |
35% |
18% |
53% |
18% |
|
Natural Gas |
13% |
27% |
41% |
11% |
38% |
|
Nuclear |
21% |
30% |
36% |
26% |
39% |
|
Don’t Know |
4% |
6% |
4% |
7% |
4% |
|
Refused |
2% |
2% |
1% |
2% |
2% |
|
If you had to choose, what kind of power plants should New Jersey focus on building? |
|||||
|
|
Overall |
18-30 |
31-44 |
45-64 |
65+ |
|
Green Energy |
38% |
39% |
49% |
34% |
32% |
|
Natural Gas |
29% |
28% |
27% |
33% |
24% |
|
Nuclear |
29% |
33% |
23% |
30% |
29% |
|
Don’t Know |
4% |
– |
1% |
2% |
11% |
|
Refused |
1% |
– |
– |
0% |
3% |
|
If you had to pick one, who do you think is most responsible for the increased energy bills New Jersey homeowners are seeing this summer? |
||||
|
|
All |
Dem |
Indp |
Rep |
|
The Governor |
19% |
10% |
16% |
33% |
|
The State Legislature |
14% |
11% |
15% |
18% |
|
The Federal Government |
15% |
22% |
20% |
8% |
|
Utility Companies |
26% |
31% |
29% |
22% |
|
Energy Producers |
10% |
11% |
7% |
8% |
|
Not Sure |
13% |
11% |
10% |
8% |
|
Don’t Know/Refused |
3% |
4% |
3% |
3% |
|
If you had to pick one, who do you think is most responsible for the increased energy bills New Jersey homeowners are seeing this summer? |
|||||
|
|
Liberal |
Moderate |
Conservative |
Progressive |
MAGA |
|
The Governor |
12% |
17% |
26% |
11% |
39% |
|
The State Legislature |
10% |
12% |
19% |
11% |
13% |
|
The Federal Government |
23% |
14% |
8% |
19% |
4% |
|
Utility Companies |
27% |
28% |
27% |
32% |
19% |
|
Energy Producers |
10% |
12% |
9% |
9% |
13% |
|
Not Sure |
14% |
12% |
8% |
13% |
7% |
|
Don’t Know/Refused |
3% |
4% |
3% |
5% |
6% |