NJBPU to gather public input on virtual power plant program aimed at lowering electric bills
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities will hold a public meeting Thursday to gather feedback on a proposed Virtual Power Plant program that officials say could help reduce electricity costs, improve grid reliability and reward residents for using smart energy devices.
The meeting, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 30 at The Conference Center at Mercer County Community College in West Windsor Township, follows the release of the board’s proposed framework for creating New Jersey’s first Virtual Power Plant, or VPP.
The proposal was developed in response to Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s Executive Order No. 2, issued Jan. 20, which declared a statewide energy emergency and directed the Board of Public Utilities to develop a VPP program.
A virtual power plant uses digital technology to connect thousands of devices, including home batteries, smart thermostats and electric vehicle chargers, allowing them to work together to reduce electricity demand during periods of high use. According to the board, participants could receive bill credits, discounts or direct payments for allowing eligible devices to temporarily adjust their energy use.
“Every New Jersey family deserves a grid that works smarter and costs less,” said NJBPU President Ben Hertz-Shargel. “Virtual power plants let us tap into technology that’s already sitting in driveways and living rooms across the state – batteries, thermostats, EV chargers – and turn them into grid assets that reduce utilities cost to serve customers. This kickoff meeting is where we build that vision, convening ratepayers, utilities, technology providers, and other stakeholders, whose collaboration will be central to its success,” he said.
The meeting is open to residents, utility companies, technology providers, environmental organizations and other stakeholders. It will include educational panels on existing utility programs in New Jersey, examples of virtual power plant programs operating in other states, an overview of the proposal and an opportunity for public feedback.
Those wishing to attend in person were asked to register by 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 28. A livestream of the meeting will be available on the NJBPU YouTube channel.
Written comments on the proposal will be accepted through 5 p.m. Aug. 17 under Docket No. QO26030099 through the board’s Public Document Search tool, by mail or by email to board.secretary@bpu.nj.gov.
If approved, the initiative would mark New Jersey’s first statewide virtual power plant program and could eventually include customers served by PSE&G, JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric and Rockland Electric.
