Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) have announced an acceleration in the State’s offshore wind solicitation schedule. The fifth offshore wind solicitation, initially planned for Q3 2026, will now open in Q2 2025. This advancement aims to bolster New Jersey’s growing offshore wind industry, bringing additional economic benefits and jobs to the state.
“Offshore wind development remains a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will result in significant economic and environmental benefits throughout the Garden State,” said Governor Murphy. “At this pivotal inflection point for the industry both in New Jersey and across the nation, it’s critical that we remain committed to delivering on the promise of thousands of family-sustaining, union jobs and cleaner air for generations to come.”
NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy echoed these sentiments: “New Jersey’s economic and environmental future depends on the bold action we take today to secure billions of dollars in economic benefits and a significant reduction in emissions from the electric sector. By accelerating New Jersey’s offshore wind development schedule, we underscore our commitment to realizing the industry’s full potential for the benefit of all New Jerseyans.”
The NJBPU has also opened its fourth solicitation for 1.2 to 4 gigawatts of offshore wind generation capacity. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. ET on July 10, 2024.
In addition, NJBPU announced a pause on moving forward with the Second State Agreement Approach (SAA) for coordinated offshore wind transmission planning with regional grid operator PJM Interconnection (PJM). This decision follows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) release of Order 1920 addressing long-term regional transmission planning and PJM’s ongoing interconnection queue reform process. Pausing allows Board staff to evaluate the implications of FERC's new rule and participate in PJM's process to ensure optimal outcomes for New Jersey's transmission needs at minimal cost to ratepayers.
Furthermore, the Murphy Administration disclosed that New Jersey and NJBPU have settled claims against Orsted related to their cessation of development on Ocean Wind 1 and Ocean Wind 2 projects. As part of this settlement, Orsted will pay $125 million to support investments in qualified wind energy facilities, offshore wind component manufacturing facilities, and other clean energy programs aligned with New Jersey's Energy Master Plan.
NJCEP was established on January 22, 2003, under the Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act (EDECA). It provides financial incentives for residential customers, businesses, and schools installing high-efficiency or renewable energy technologies. The program is overseen by NJBPU.
NJBPU is a state agency responsible for ensuring safe utility services at reasonable rates across various sectors including natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and cable television.
For more information about NJCEP or NJBPU services visit www.NJCleanEnergy.com or http://www.nj.gov/bpu respectively.
