Wednesday, October 30.
As the regulator of electric and natural gas utilities, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities today voted to approve all seven Utility Energy Efficiency (EE) Cases. These EE programs have a combined budget of more than $3.75 billion to support New Jersey’s energy efficiency and building decarbonization measures that will be deployed over the next few years. In addition to energy efficiency investments, the cases include New Jersey’s first-ever Building Decarbonization Program.
In the latter half of 2023 alone, NJBPU and utility-run efficiency programs installed energy efficiency measures that resulted in billions of dollars in lifetime energy savings and millions of metric tons of lifetime CO2 reductions. The next phase of these programs, approved today, will continue to grow New Jersey’s energy savings, all while slashing energy bills for consumers and creating jobs in the thriving energy efficiency industry.
Building decarbonization is meant to reduce emissions in indoor environments, for example, fuel-switching space and water heating from fossil fuels to electric heat pumps. Upgrading building systems can lead to lower energy consumption, resulting in cost savings on utility bills. Implementing better ventilation and using non-toxic materials improves indoor air quality and public health. The transition to green building practices also generates employment opportunities in construction, retrofitting, and renewable energy sectors.
“As a trade association representing New Jersey’s energy efficiency industry, EEA-NJ celebrates today’s decision to approve the Triennium II programs,” said John Kolesnik, Policy Counsel for the Energy Efficiency Alliance of New Jersey. “These programs represent over $3 billion in investments for industry—that’s over $3.75 billion for slashing energy bills, creating jobs, and cutting emissions. With the addition of the ground-breaking Building Decarbonization Program, they represent a step forward for New Jersey towards a clean energy future.”
“As a woman-owned energy efficiency firm that does business in New Jersey, we salute the NJ BPU’s approval of the new Triennium II programs,” said Lisa Stotts, President & CEO of CMC Energy Services. “This is a win-win-win situation for New Jersey residents and businesses, who can receive cost-cutting benefits, and for people working in the energy efficiency industry, which employs more than 36,000 people in the state, including roughly 100 working for CMC in good-living wages jobs. It’s also a win for companies like CMC that can continue growing, hiring, and investing in the Garden State.”
“With extreme weather events like heat waves and hurricanes becoming more frequent, having a resilient energy system has never been more important,” said Michel’le Forrest, Director of Program Management for Vanguard Building Solutions. “The Triennium II programs will help reduce strain on the grid during critical times, ensuring New Jersey residents can keep the lights on when it matters most, building a safer and more resilient future for our communities.”
“As an energy efficiency business in New Jersey supporting the utilities and engaging homeowners on the ground, this is a landmark commitment from the Board and utilities making the Garden State a true leader in the energy transition,” said Lloyd Kass, Vice President for Strategy and Market Development at Franklin Energy. “Energy efficiency investments like these create jobs, improve people’s homes, and generate energy system benefits and cost savings for all New Jerseyans — whether they participate in the programs or not. We look forward to getting to work implementing the energy efficiency improvements unleashed by this ruling.”
“The cheapest energy is the energy you don’t use – it’s the energy we save through energy efficiency. By investing in energy efficiency and prioritizing building decarbonization, the Board of Public Utilities is setting the tone for forward-thinking energy policy, one that allows us to reduce emissions while still saving customers money and investing in our clean energy future,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. “More than $3 billion in investments is groundbreaking – investments not only in energy efficiency, but in creating good, family-sustaining jobs; in addressing the public health impacts from poor air quality that disproportionately impact low-income Black and Brown communities; and investments in our consumers. We are proud to see New Jersey lead the nation by prioritizing energy efficiency as a climate and public health policy.”
“I am excited to see our utilities do the work to be more efficient. The answer to New Jersey’s energy needs is not just to generate more, but to be more mindful of what we are using,” said Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo (D). “As our country moves to increased internet connectivity, the electrification of every device, and the emergence of new data centers – it has become apparent that it is no longer enough that we focus solely on generating more energy. We need to strive for more efficient systems, so our utilities become more reliable and less costly for everyday people. With BPU approval of the Triennium 2 energy efficiency programs, New Jersey continues to become a more livable state for everyone.”
“As New Jersey advances its clean energy goals, PSE&G is proud to play its role in helping residents and businesses reduce energy use and lower costs,” said Susanna Chiu, Senior Director of Operational Services at PSE&G. “With the approval of the second phase of our Clean Energy Future – Energy Efficiency program, we’re building on our commitment to providing cleaner, safer, affordable and more reliable energy, while also making a positive impact on New Jersey’s economy and environment.” Susanna Chiu, Senior Director, Renewables and Energy Solutions, PSE&G.
Interested in learning more about EE programs available in New Jersey? See here for a list of available programs.