TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) convened its July 16 meeting last week, covering a packed agenda that ranged from electric utility audits and cable franchise renewals to new energy efficiency initiatives and climate-focused programs.
The session opened with acknowledgments of recent severe weather and its impact on state utilities and residents. “It’s been a very tough time for New Jersey,” noted BPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy, citing widespread storm damage, outages, and heat-related incidents.
Key developments from the meeting include:
- Electric and Gas Utility Audits: The board approved multiple audits, including one directing a forensic review of Jersey Central Power & Light, and another concerning affiliated transactions at Elizabethtown Gas. Both reviews aim to evaluate utility practices and financial integrity.
- Advanced Metering Rules: New rules were proposed to govern the collection and sharing of data from advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), ensuring transparency and data privacy for consumers.
- Cable Franchise Actions: The board approved Cablevision’s systemwide franchise renewal for Monmouth County municipalities through 2031 and advanced the renewal process for its Hudson County service area.
- Energy Efficiency and Modernization:
- The board approved more than $1.4 million in incentives to the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission for boiler upgrades to improve air quality and reduce gas use.
- Utilities were directed to implement a new “trade ally” contracting model under the Direct Install program to ease participation for public sector entities.
- A contract was awarded to support planning and pilot development under the grid modernization forum.
- Urban Heat Island Program: The board established a $5 million urban heat mitigation grant program targeting overburdened municipalities. “This initiative aims to reduce extreme heat impacts and energy demand,” said Dr. Ailen Eagleton, a departing fellow who led the program’s development.
- Solar Program Extension: The CSI (Competitive Solar Incentive) program’s third solicitation deadline was extended to September 30 in response to new federal legislation (H.R.1) phasing out renewable energy tax credits.
The meeting ended with emotional farewell remarks from Commissioner Marian Abdu, who announced her resignation to focus on family. Her colleagues praised her for her diligence, integrity, and principled approach to public service. “You did the right thing at the right time for the right reason,” said Commissioner Zenon Christodoulou.
Commissioner Abdu’s last day on the board will be July 30.
The BPU’s next public meeting is scheduled for August 13 and will be held both in person in Trenton and livestreamed online.
