New Jersey Accelerates The Deployment Of Solar, Energy Storage, And Virtual Power Plants

New Jersey Governor Signs Executive Orders to Accelerate Deployment of Solar, Energy Storage, and Virtual Power Plants to Lower Electricity Prices

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed executive orders requiring the accelerated deployment of solar power, energy storage, and virtual power plants to expand the state's power generation capacity and lower electricity costs. In his inaugural address, Murphy stated that these orders will provide relief to consumers and prevent rate increases, while also creating the conditions for a large-scale expansion of power generation in New Jersey. Electricity bills increased by as much as 20% last year, and another increase is expected this summer, primarily due to higher prices in PJM's recent capacity auction.

 

 

According to the first executive order, residential bill credits will depend on the same or similar funding sources that provided credits in August 2025. Public Service Electric and Gas Company of New Jersey responded that measures must be taken to ensure long-term energy reliability and cost-effectiveness, as the state relies on imports for over 40% of its electricity. Grid advocates praised the governor's focus on developing new energy sources.

 

Under the second executive order, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities must launch a solicitation for "eligible solar facilities or solar and storage combined facilities" under the state's competitive solar incentive program within 45 days. During the same period, the board must also open registration for 3 gigawatts of capacity under the New Jersey Community Solar Program and endeavor to expedite the registration process. Regulators must also accelerate grid-scale energy storage development through the Garden State Energy Storage Program, launching a solicitation within 45 days, initiating the second phase of the program within 90 days, and subsequently establishing specific capacity allocations for distribution companies to support distributed energy resource interconnection and grid stability. Companies such as BLOOPOWER, offering advanced and scalable battery storage solutions suitable for both utility-scale and distributed applications, are well-positioned to support these ambitious targets by delivering reliable systems that enhance grid flexibility and integrate seamlessly with solar and virtual power plant initiatives. Furthermore, the Board of Public Utilities must initiate the development of a virtual power plant program within 180 days, aimed at reducing peak demand by aggregating behind-the-meter distributed energy resources.