New Jersey state capitol building in Trenton
June 2025 Updates
NJ Legislature Addresses Rising Energy Costs with New Affordability Measures
In response to the 17-20% electricity price increases starting June 1st, the New Jersey Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee approved an eight-bill energy affordability package. Key measures include requirements for electric utilities to establish building electrification programs, BPU review processes for reasonable return on equity in rate cases, and prohibitions on rate increases without full reviews. The package also includes studies on the effects of data centers on electricity rates and investigations into small modular nuclear reactors as potential solutions for grid reliability.
Energy Master Plan Hearing Advances Building Decarbonization Goals
On May 1st, stakeholders completed submitting comments on the New Jersey Energy Master Plan’s (EMP’s) Strategy 4 (Reduce Energy Consumption and Emissions from the Building Sector) and Strategy 5 (Decarbonize and Modernize New Jersey’s Energy System). The updated plan will serve as a progress report on the 2019 EMP goals while charting the path forward for New Jersey’s clean energy transition through 2030.
Thermal Energy Networks Webinar Catalyzes Statewide Interest
A May 12th thermal energy networks webinar, co-hosted by Newark Alliance, NAIOP, NJ League of Conservation Voters, and ReThink Energy NJ, successfully brought together experts from across the Northeast to showcase neighborhood-scale thermal energy networks’ (TENs’) potential. The event featured speakers from Ecosystem Energy, SHARC Energy, NYC Economic Development Corporation, Vermont Community Thermal Networks, and Emergent Urban Concepts, followed by a New Jersey-specific panel discussing in-state opportunities for economic development through TENs implementation.
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