TRENTON – The New Jersey Senate Economic Growth Committee has advanced legislation sponsored by Senators Andrew Zwicker and John Burzichelli, which would require the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to conduct a study to evaluate the potential deployment of advanced transmission technologies by electric public utilities.

Senator Andrew Zwicker

   “Modernizing our grid using advanced transmissiontechnologies is an essential step in lowering energy rates and keeping them down in the future,” said Senator Zwicker (D-Middlesex/Mercer/Somerset/Hunterdon). “By directing the Board of Public Utilities to conduct a comprehensive study, we can identify and prepare to deploy the most promising emerging technologies that will help to increase capacity within our existing lines and strengthen grid reliability, lowering the cost of electricity for families and businesses across New Jersey.”

     The bill, S2189, would define “advanced transmission technology” to mean software or hardware that increases the capacity, efficiency, reliability, or safety of an existing or new electric transmission facility. This may include grid-enhancing technologies, advanced or high-performance conductors, or other technologies designed to reduce transmission congestion or increase the capacity, efficiency, reliability, or safety of an existing or new electric transmission facility.

     “This legislation is about putting ratepayers first by better using the tools already at our disposal to bring energy costs down,” said Senator Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). 

                                               Senator John Burzichelli

“Greenlighting a new generation of projects will boost our energy supply and lower rates in the future, while deploying advanced transmission technologies now means getting more out of the system we have without waiting for the construction new facilities. The study proposed in this bill will empower the BPU to ensure that we use the most efficient technologies safely and effectively.”

     The BPU would study how deploying ATT would enable utilities to safely, reliably, efficiently, and cost-effectively meet electric system demand and provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to customers.

     The bill would require the BPU to give notice of a public stakeholder meeting and invite interested parties and members of the public to discuss the study required by the bill. The BPU would hold at least two public meetings to review stakeholder comments. The BPU would be able to incorporate any information or comments received from the public stakeholder meetings in its report required by the bill.

     Within one year of the bill’s enactment, the BPU would submit a written report to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the study’s findings. The BPU would also publish the report on its website.