TRENTON — Gov. Phil Murphy signed measures Friday turning up the heat on the regional electrical power grid operator that New Jersey and other states blame for soaring electricity prices.

The Democratic governor signed two bills aimed at PJM Interconnection, which operates the power grid for 67 million electricity customers in 13 states plus the District of Columbia.

Its auction of power generation last year sent prices skyrocketing this summer, with consumers paying 20% higher rates.

Next year's prices will increase beyond that, although the exact amount has yet to be determined.

The cost of energy, particularly electricity, has become a major issue in this year's race to succeed Murphy as governor.

Democrats blame PJM, saying its flawed practices led to soaring rate hikes. They also

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