NJBPU approves battery storage projects, solar expansion and major community solar program growth
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved several initiatives aimed at expanding clean energy generation, improving grid reliability and helping control electricity costs across the state.
The board announced Wednesday that it awarded incentives for new battery storage and solar projects, launched an additional energy storage solicitation and approved a large expansion of New Jersey’s community solar program.
State officials said the actions are intended to increase in-state energy production while supporting clean energy goals and addressing growing electricity demand.
“Solar and battery storage are the fastest and most cost-effective ways to build new electricity generation,” NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy said in a statement. “Today’s actions advance the state’s clean energy goals while maintaining a focus on affordability and promoting clean, in-state energy resources.”
As part of the announcement, the board approved incentives for three battery storage projects totaling 355 megawatts of capacity under the first phase of the Garden State Energy Storage Program. The projects include facilities in Sayreville in Middlesex County, Ridgefield in Bergen County and Bordentown in Burlington County.
Officials said the battery systems will provide flexible, on-demand power to the regional PJM electric grid and could help ease capacity shortages that have contributed to rising electricity prices.
The board also opened a second solicitation seeking 645 additional megawatts of storage capacity, which would bring the state closer to its target of 1,000 megawatts of transmission-scale storage required under state law and its broader goal of 2,000 megawatts of storage by 2030.
In addition, the board approved 24.1 megawatts of new solar generation through the third round of the Competitive Solar Incentive Program. The projects include installations in Gloucester County and Passaic County, including a proposed floating solar facility at the Wanaque Reservoir, which officials said could become the largest floating solar project in the nation.
A fourth round of the program is scheduled to open for prequalification on March 11, with bids due by April 24.
The board also approved a 3,000-megawatt expansion of New Jersey’s Community Solar Energy Program, the largest expansion of the program in state history. Officials said the additional capacity could provide clean energy bill credits to about 450,000 subscribers.
Community solar projects allow residents — including renters or those without suitable rooftops — to subscribe to off-site solar installations and receive credits on their electricity bills.
According to the board, subscribers typically see electric bill reductions of 15% to 25%, while low- and moderate-income households are guaranteed at least a 25% bill credit discount.
Officials said the new community solar capacity will be distributed among New Jersey’s major electric utilities, including PSE&G, Jersey Central Power & Light, Atlantic City Electric and Rockland Electric, with additional capacity reserved for landfill-based solar projects.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill said the actions fulfill a commitment to quickly expand clean energy infrastructure following an executive order issued earlier this year.
“When I signed Executive Order No. 2, I made a commitment to act with urgency and yesterday’s actions by the NJBPU deliver on that promise,” Sherrill said in a statement. “States that invest in energy infrastructure today will have lower costs and greater reliability tomorrow — and New Jersey is going to lead the way. By investing in battery storage, solar and grid modernization, we’re building an energy system that is ready for the future, and more affordable and reliable for New Jersey families and businesses.”
Project registrations for the expanded community solar program will remain open through Dec. 31, 2029, or until all available capacity is filled.
