Labor, Industry, Public Health, and Environmental Advocates Urge NJ to Pass Grid Modernization

TRENTON, NJ - Labor, industry, environment, and public health advocates gathered to outline necessary changes to a key bill to reform New Jersey's energy system. Bill S258would modernize the state's aging electrical grid to ensure reliable, affordable service. The bill passed in the Senate Environment Committee in March, but a coalition of diverse stakeholders are calling for amendments to strengthen it. They are urging bill sponsor Senator Bob Smith to incorporate the amendmentsand move the bill as soon as possible.

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), National EV Charging Initiative, American Lung Association, Environmental Defense Fund, Volvo Group North America, IBEW 3^rd District, and a New Jersey pulmonologist pointed out that to grow the state's economy, meet air quality standards, and achieve its climate goals, New Jersey needs a modernized electric grid and a modernized regulatory framework. New Jersey's utility regulators will have to account for growing electrical customer demand for powering light- and heavy-duty vehicles, buildings and appliances, and smaller scale energy technologies like solar panels, battery storage, and vehicle batteries that can support the operation of the grid.

Advocates explained that modernizing the grid with these proposed amendments for appropriate planning and optimizing the use of existing and new technology and equipment will deliver electricity to people and companies more reliably; and can reduce the frequency and duration of power outages from winter storms and other extreme weather events, like Superstorm Sandy or Hurricane Ida.

Data shows that updating the grid to support the electrification of buildings and vehicles can put downward pressure on electric rates to the benefit of all utility customers. Synapse Energy Economics has documented that over the past eleven years, EV drivers in New Jersey contributed $85 millionmore on their utility bills than associated costs, net-revenue that is returned to all customers in the form of rates that are lower than they otherwise would be.

The following are quotes from speakers at the press conference announcing their amendments:

"The framework for regulating New Jersey's electric utilities needs to keep up with customer demand for new electric service," said Max Baumhefner, NRDC, Director of EV Infrastructure. "To meet the state's air quality and climate goals, utilities need to prepare the electric grid for increased transportation and building electrification. That must happen fast, and the amendments to S258 should help ensure it is done right."

"The first electrical grid was started in 1882, 142 years ago, so now is clearly the time for significant upgrades. Increased capacity is needed and will create economic benefits in every direction, new technology is more efficient saving money for the consumer and our commercial users, the jobs upgrading the system will create good family sustaining careers, and an upgraded grid will be more reliable so less outages," said Wyatt Earp, International Representative, IBEW 3rd District. "There are numerous projects throughout NJ that are stalled because of the lack of capacity, not to mention, zero greenhouse gas generation can't be built without a grid to carry the made in New Jersey energy."

"The modern grid of the future will be able to support a charging network for light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Accelerating the pace at which New Jersey's aging grid is modernized will ensure utility customers get the electric service they require, when they require it, allowing them to use electric cars, trucks, and buses, and efficient appliances that can save them billions of dollars on fuel costs," said Colleen Quinn, Partner, eMobility Advisors and Co-Director of the National EV Charging Initiative "New Jersey has a chance to accelerate shovel-ready charging infrastructure projects that will put people to work, infuse the economy with billions of dollars of investment, and increase access to clean transportation."

"Transportation is a leading source of harmful air pollution in New Jersey and is detrimental to health outcomes, particularly for children and the elderly. The success of New Jersey's zero-emission car and truck standards is critical to reducing significant amounts of air pollution. The American Lung Association's Zeroing in on Clean Air report found that the transition to zero-emission cars and trucks in New Jersey would provide $43.6 million in public health benefits and avoid 3,960 deaths and 92,400 asthma attacks through the next decade," added Jo Gardias, American Lung Association, Manager of National Policy Advocacy, Clean Air. "To secure these health benefits for New Jersey, utilities must adequately plan to ensure the electrical grid can handle the increased electricity needs for these and future air quality regulations."

"Medical professionals like myself are on the front lines taking care of patients experiencing the direct impacts of air pollution and climate change. It's essential that New Jersey reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tailpipe pollution because my patients can't escape bad air quality," said Walter Wynkoop, MD, a pulmonologist in Brick and Toms River, NJ. "It's exciting that New Jersey is moving toward cleaning up air pollution, but there isn't a plan in place to ensure the electrical grid can handle it."

"New Jersey will need to massively increase the speed, scale, and scope of electric vehicle charging infrastructure investments to meet the state's climate, air quality, and equity goals. But current barriers to the deployment of infrastructure - delays, inefficient rates, and upfront costs - are greatly slowing down the ability to meet these goals. That's where grid modernization comes in," added Aravind Kailas, Ph.D., Advanced Technology Policy Director, Volvo Group North America.

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).

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