Governor Mikie Sherrill today announced the nomination of Ben Hertz-Shargel as Commissioner of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), with plans to name him President upon confirmation. He will succeed Christine Guhl-Sadovy, who will continue as a Commissioner.
Hertz-Shargel is slated to lead the BPU, overseeing New Jersey's regulated utilities and shaping the state's energy future. This nomination supports the Sherrill Administration's energy affordability agenda, focused on lowering utility costs, expanding energy supply, and addressing rising prices. Governor Sherrill previously issued Executive Orders to freeze rates and accelerate new energy resource development.
"I am thrilled to nominate Ben Hertz-Shargel to lead the Board of Public Utilities and drive our affordability agenda," said Governor Sherrill. She highlighted his "rare combination of technical expertise, leadership experience, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our energy system," calling him "the right leader to oversee this critical work." Sherrill also thanked Christine Guhl-Sadovy for her dedicated service.
Hertz-Shargel expressed his honor to be nominated, stating, "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." He looks forward to collaborating with stakeholders to "deliver reliable utility service and advance energy policies that are affordable, accountable, and responsive to the needs of New Jerseyans."
Hertz-Shargel's professional background includes serving as Global Head of Grid Edge at Wood Mackenzie and prior roles at Rhythm and EnergyHub, focusing on grid modernization and demand response. He also holds advisory positions with the Atlantic Council, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and Pew Charitable Trusts. He holds degrees from Northwestern, NYU, and a PhD from UCLA.