Sherrill joins bipartisan governors’ coalition to push for lower electricity costs

Gov. Mikie Sherrill joined governors from twelve other states and the mayor of Washington, DC on Thursday to establish a bipartisan coalition aimed at lowering electricity costs and giving states more influence over decisions made by the regional power grid operator.

The PJM Governors’ Collaborative, announced at a summit in Chicago, will coordinate efforts to reform PJM Interconnection, which oversees wholesale electricity transmission across 13 states and the District of Columbia.

“We are facing an energy affordability crisis,” Sherrill said. “Meeting this moment will take strong, coordinated action across state and party lines to lower costs and build a reliable grid that can power our interconnected region for years to come.”

The coalition includes Democratic governors from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Maryland and Michigan, along with Republican governors from Indiana, Ohio, Virginia and other states.

PJM has faced mounting criticism over rising electricity prices, delays in bringing new power generation online and concerns about whether the region can meet growing demand.

Under the governors’ agreement, PJM’s capacity auction costs rose 833% for the 2025-2026 delivery year compared with the previous auction.

The governors’ plan to develop common positions on energy policy, obtain independent technical assistance and coordinate their dealings with PJM and federal regulators.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said states deserve more influence over decisions that affect their residents.

“As Governors, states deserve a meaningful seat at the table where important decisions are being made that impact our residents,” Pritzker said.

The agreement follows more than a year of discussions among governors seeking changes to PJM’s governance structure.