New Jersey looks to improve electrical network and speed steps to get solar online
By Tom Johnson NJ Spotlight
The state Board of Public Utilities is taking an initial step to modernize an aging power grid by trying to speed up the process of connecting new solar-panel systems to distribution systems operated by local utilities.
The current process has been beset by lengthy delays in connecting new solar projects with the power grid. In part that’s because of continuing growth in the sector and also because utilities, particularly in South Jersey, have shut off connections to a large number of their circuits where segments of the system are already at capacity.
Without fixing the problems, the issue could set up barriers to achieving the Murphy administration’s clean-energy goals, advocates say. The state’s Energy Master Plan projects that solar energy will provide 34% of electricity in New Jersey by 2050. It now produces only 4% of electricity used by residents and businesses.
The initiative is the first of many steps to upgrade a power grid that has not been updated for decades at a time when it is being asked to integrate new technologies that could clean the air and reduce global warming and even lower costs to consumers.
Adding connections
“The first place to modernize the grid is to ensure we can connect more clean energy to the grid,’’ said Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey and a supporter of the process at the BPU. “Right now, in some regions of the state we are already tapped out.’’
Fred DeSanti, executive director of the New Jersey Solar Energy Coalition, said he welcomes the state looking at the problem, but questions why it will take until next May to deal with the issue.
With the state restructuring the solar program this past summer, it gave solar companies 12 months to complete new installations, including solving interconnections issues, or lose financial incentives awarded under the project, DeSanti said. “At the same time, my guys are getting letters from utilities saying it is going to take 14 months,’’ he said.
In a notice from the BPU, the agency said the first three meetings are designed to establish the scope and set the context for relevant interconnection policies and procedures and will culminate in a draft report next March of findings and recommendations.
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