S2971

17 Jan: Smith Bill To Ensure Fairness For On-Site Energy Producers Becomes Law

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Bob Smith that requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study and establish rules and regulations relating to the fees charged by electric utility companies to offer back-up power to facilities that produce electricity on-site was signed into law today.

“On-site, distributed generation facilities that are producing and supplying power for their own use are being charged fees by energy utility companies for the ability to plug into the grid if necessary,” said Senator Smith (D-Middlesex). “While these facilities may never use power from the utility companies, they are in essence being punished for creating and using a more efficient, reliable, secure and environmentally-sound alternative. We must reevaluate the current system that energy utility companies are using to charge fees to these companies who are proactively decreasing their reliance on an already congested grid.”