Translator Disclaimers
For Immediate Release: Contact: Peter Peretzman
Date: 07/29/2020 (609) 984-9707
Energy Efficiency and Offshore Wind to Bolster New Jersey’s Economic Recovery
Trenton, N.J.—The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) today approved an extension of the New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program™ (NJCEP) Fiscal Year 2020 budget through September 30, 2020 to align with the State’s extended fiscal year. The action adds a 5th Quarter to NJCEP’s FY20 budget that will fund renewable energy, energy efficiency, and workforce development initiatives as New Jersey continues its economic recovery from the statewide COVID-19 State of Emergency.

 

“By emphasizing investments that will advance renewable energy, increase energy efficiency, and create jobs, the programs in this budget will help New Jersey address the threat of climate change and rise to the challenge of our economic recovery from COVID-19,” said Joseph L. Fiordaliso, NJBPU President. “The economic potential of offshore wind paired with the cost savings opportunities afforded by energy efficiency initiatives will generate a welcome tailwind for New Jersey in these difficult times. By developing our clean energy workforce, we can put tens of thousands of New Jerseyans to work, create a stronger, healthier state for the years and decades to come, and propel ourselves toward the Governor’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050.”

 

The extended FY20 budget allocates $2.5 million to support inclusive and representative energy efficiency workforce development, including:

 

  • A Workforce Development Grant Program for non-profits, community-based organizations, colleges and universities, technical training facilities, and high schools and vocational-tech schools that serve underserved communities;
  • Incentive-based mentorship and apprenticeship programs with contractors;
  • Enhanced incentives for the hiring of local contractors; and,
  • Support for minority-, veteran-, women-, and low- to moderate-income owned businesses and contractors in implementing energy efficiency programs.

 

The new initiatives approved today are an extension of the State’s coordinated efforts to maximize the benefits of energy efficiency, which include lower costs, improved air quality, and added jobs in the clean energy economy.

 

In June, the Board approved a comprehensive Energy Efficiency and Peak Demand Reduction program that will help New Jersey achieve some of the highest energy savings in the country while ensuring equitable access to energy efficiency initiatives for low- and moderate-income communities.

 

Additionally, in the 5th Quarter, NJCEP will activate $4.5 million in funding for a collaboration with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to continue development of the Wind Innovation and New Development (WIND) Institute, as directed by Governor Phil Murphy’s Executive Order No. 79. The WIND Institute—which will be a center for offshore wind education, research, and workforce training—is mission-driven to empower New Jersey’s workforce to participate in the state’s burgeoning offshore wind industry. Specifically, through NJBPU’s partnership with NJEDA, the WIND Institute will:

 

  • Establish pathways into the offshore wind industry in partnership with the state’s higher education institutions;
  • Address potential barriers for New Jersey workers;
  • Develop a wind turbine technical training program and a Global Wind Organization (GWO) safety training program and facility in New Jersey; and
  • Launch a WIND Institute Workforce seminar to engage local stakeholders including labor unions, high schools and vocational-tech schools, colleges and universities.

 

The Board expects to act on a nine-month budget for FY21 before the end of September.

 

About the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU)

NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents. To find out more about NJBPU, visit our website at www.nj.gov/bpu.

 

About New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP)

NJCEP, established on January 22, 2003, in accordance with the Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act (EDECA), provides financial and other incentives to the State's residential customers, businesses and schools that install high-efficiency or renewable energy technologies, thereby reducing energy usage, lowering customers' energy bills and reducing environmental impacts. The program is authorized and overseen by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and its website is www.NJCleanEnergy.com.