New Jersey’s Ambitious Leap Toward Renewable Energy by 2035
As nations worldwide intensify efforts to combat climate change, New Jersey is making significant strides in the renewable energy sector. With a bold plan to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035, the state is setting an example for others to follow.
In 2018, New Jersey laid the groundwork for this transformation through the Clean Energy Act and the Energy Master Plan. Initially, the target was to reach complete clean electricity by 2050, but Gov. Phil Murphy’s Executive Order 315 has accelerated this timeline to 2035. This initiative positions New Jersey as a leader in renewable energy transition across the United States.
The Clean Energy Act mandates that a significant portion of the state’s energy must come from Class I renewable sources. These sources include solar, wind, and geothermal energy. The targets are set to increase from 21% by 2020 to 50% by 2030.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) plays a pivotal role in this transition. Through its Division of Clean Energy, NJBPU administers the state’s Clean Energy Program, offering financial incentives and educational outreach to various stakeholders, including residential, commercial, and governmental sectors.
Christine Guhl-Sadovy, president of NJBPU, emphasized the importance of moving forward with clean energy initiatives: “As public demand increases for electronic devices and cars, and the critical need for data centers and reliable data security-based operations grows, coupled with the devastation of storms and fires—it is imperative that we move forward with initiatives to meet the goal of clean energy on target.”
The NJBPU oversees a comprehensive portfolio of energy efficiency programs, which have resulted in significant financial savings for customers while reducing carbon emissions. Recent approvals for Energy Efficiency and Peak Demand Reduction programs set year-five targets for reducing energy consumption, moving the state closer to its goal of a 2.0% reduction for electric distribution companies and a 0.75% reduction for gas distribution companies.
An illustrative example of these efforts is the energy renovation of the Montclair Public Library. The library underwent a $1.9 million efficiency upgrade, with significant portions funded by incentives. This project not only improved the facility’s operations but also saved over $125,000 annually in energy costs.
Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) continues to champion the state’s clean energy objectives. Rachael Fredericks, director of energy services at PSE&G, stated, “Although federal priorities may shift, New Jersey has maintained a strong clean energy framework, and PSE&G continues to support the state’s goals through our suite of business and residential energy efficiency programs.”
Fredericks also highlighted the flexibility required to meet diverse energy needs: “Every business and every home is different. While some facilities may need a complete overhaul, others may only need optimization of their systems.”
Another success story is the Boys and Girls Clubs of Paterson and Passaic, which upgraded their facilities through PSE&G’s Direct Install Program. These improvements resulted in substantial energy savings and reduced operational costs.
Atlantic City Electric has also contributed significantly, launching initiatives such as the Building Carbon Reduction rebates and an HVAC Workforce Development Program, which provide both environmental benefits and career opportunities for residents.
Since mid-2021, Atlantic City Electric’s efforts have saved over 140,000 megawatt hours of electricity, equivalent to the annual consumption of nearly 17,000 households, and have helped avoid more than 70,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
Guhl-Sadovy concludes with a vision for the future: “The NJBPU and all of New Jersey’s energy companies are working together to create a one-stop-shop platform, where customers can learn about rebates, find local contractors, and program offerings, and align utility efforts across the state. Together, we are dedicated to meeting the goal of clean energy as set forth by the state, for today and all future generations.”
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Original Story at njbmagazine.com