ASSEMBLY TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND UTILITIES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4499

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 3, 2018

The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4499.

      As reported, this bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study and make findings and recommendations concerning whether the utilization of “microgrids,” as that term is defined in the bill, and the deployment of electric generators will assist in reducing the length of long-term power outages in the State.  The BPU’s study is to also provide recommendations for improvements to the resilience and reliability of the State’s electric distribution system.

      In conducting the study, the bill provides that the BPU is to: 1) compare the general performance of this State’s electric distribution system to that of other states; 2) assess the impact of the utilization of microgrids and the deployment of electric generators on the length of long-term power outages in other states; 3) consult with relevant persons and public and private entities in this State and other states that have utilized microgrids during power outages and provide information on best practices for microgrid utilization as demonstrated in other states; 4) consult with relevant electric public utilities in this State and other states that have deployed electric generators to communities during power outages; 5) consider the costs and savings to ratepayers, government entities, electric public utilities, and the State associated with the implementation of the BPU’s findings and recommendations; and 6) provide an assessment of microgrid pilot programs awarded through the BPU, including, but not limited to, awards provided under the Town Center Microgrid Feasibility Studies program.

      The bill requires the BPU to prepare and submit the report containing its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature within six months of the enactment of the bill.