New Jersey state capitol building in Trenton
February 2025 Updates
- BPU Launches Comprehensive Clean Energy Tool: The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) unveiled “Find A Program,” a new online platform helping stakeholders navigate available clean energy and efficiency programs, including building decarbonization initiatives, appliance rebates, and benchmarking support. The platform:
- Provides a centralized hub for clean energy and efficiency programs
- Offers customized results based on property type, location, and income level
- Includes building decarbonization initiatives, appliance rebates, and benchmarking tools
- Features step-by-step application guidance and technical resources
- Connects users with program administrators and qualified contractors
- Streamlines access to federal, state, and utility incentives
- DER Market Integration Takes Shape: The BPU also held an important Technical Conference on Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), examining how New Jersey can implement FERC Order 2222 – a landmark federal rule enabling smaller clean energy resources like rooftop solar, batteries, and smart thermostats to participate in wholesale electricity markets – by removing barriers for DER participation in wholesale markets while ensuring grid reliability. Key developments include:
- Market Framework Development:
- Creating rules for DER aggregation and participation
- Establishing minimum size requirements for market participation
- Defining operational and technical requirements
- Setting measurement and verification standards
- Implementation Planning:
- Coordination between BPU, utilities, and PJM
- Development of consumer protection measures
- Creation of dispute resolution processes
- Establishment of data-sharing protocols
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Regular technical working group meetings
- Public comment opportunities
- Educational workshops and training sessions
- Pilot program development
- Energy Efficiency Gains Market Recognition: Stakeholders are advocating for energy efficiency to be recognized as a DER aggregator, potentially expanding opportunities for building decarbonization programs to participate in wholesale electricity markets and support grid reliability. This includes:
- Program Development:
- Creation of energy efficiency aggregation models
- Development of measurement and verification protocols
- Establishment of baseline methodologies
- Integration with existing efficiency programs
- Market Integration:
- Frameworks for wholesale market participation
- Revenue sharing mechanisms
- Performance requirements
- Settlement procedures
- Grid Support:
- Peak demand reduction strategies
- Load shifting capabilities
- Reliability services
- Emergency response protocols
- Program Development: