The basics:

• FDU poll shows strong support for “all-of-the-above” energy approach in NJ
• 76% back new natural gas plants; 67% support renewable energy projects
• 56% support nuclear energy — the least popular generation option
• 65% favor pausing new data centers until power supply expands

A new Fairleigh Dickinson University poll, conducted in partnership with the International Union of Operating Engineers, finds New Jersey voters overwhelmingly support an “all of the above” approach to lowering energy costs. The results come as rising utility bills become one of the most pressing issues facing residents and businesses across the state.

The survey, conducted March 20–28, 2026, among 805 registered voters, has a margin of error of +/- 3.9%.

At its core, the poll shows broad urgency among voters to bring down energy bills — regardless of how.

“Freezing electric bills helps, but it doesn’t solve the long-term problem or bring costs back down to where they used to be,” said Dan Cassino, a professor of government and politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and the executive director of the FDU Poll. “The state needs to expand capacity, and voters don’t seem to care too much how we do it, so long as it gets done.”

All of the above

The data reflects that sentiment: 18% of respondents support all four proposals tested – natural gas, nuclear and renewable power plants – as well as banning the construction of new data centers. Meanwhile, another 40% support three out of the four. Just 10% support none of them.

“Gov. Sherrill is leading in the right direction to support an ‘all of the above’ generation strategy that includes natural gas generating plants that could include a transition to hydrogen production once it is a more available alternative,” said Greg Lalevee, business manager for IUOE Local 825. “New Jersey voters understand we need to be quickly producing more energy in our state to make electricity more affordable.”

Support is strongest for building new natural gas plants, with 76% of voters in favor. The sentiment includes broad backing across party lines (83% of Republicans, 70% of Democrats).

Even voters who might prefer green energy options want something done fast. Electricity bills are up right now, and voters are in favor of anything that can be done to bring them down in the short term.
—Dan Cassino, executive director, FDU Poll

“Even voters who might prefer green energy options want something done fast,” said Cassino. “Electricity bills are up right now, and voters are in favor of anything that can be done to bring them down in the short term.”

Renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind, also receive majority support at 67%. However, opinions are more divided. Support is highest among Democrats (90%), liberals (87%) and progressives (92%). Republicans (38%), conservatives (40%) and MAGA voters (28%) are more likely to oppose.

“Voters take their cues from party leaders,” Cassino said. “Republicans from President [Donald] Trump on down have been vocally opposed to new renewable plants, and their supporters are following suit.”

The nuclear option

Nuclear energy draws support from 56% of voters. While still backed by a majority, the figures make it the least popular of the three generation options. Republicans (65%) are more supportive than Democrats (48%).

On the demand side, 65% of voters support banning the construction of new data centers until additional power generation can support it. The backing also cut across party lines (61% of Republicans, 69% of Democrats).

“New Jersey voters are sending a clear message. The operators of new data centers need to show how their facilities will not raise rates,” Lalevee said. “Ideally, they might even be able to generate surplus power and feed it into the state grid. If they can do that, people will be a lot more receptive.”

Cassino added, “Rightly or wrongly, voters blame data centers for their increased electricity bills. The argument that doing so would hurt the state economy doesn’t help when people are worried about their own finances.”

Separately, the poll points to an FDU survey from earlier this month. NJBIZ reported on the findings, that showed strong support for smaller-scale solutions. Those results showed 78% of voters backing plug-in, balcony-sized solar panels to help reduce household energy costs.

The full poll results are available here.