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Christie Administration Releases Draft Energy Master Plan

On June 7, 2011, the Christie Administration released a draft of the 2011 Energy Master Plan ("EMP"). The 2011 EMP is the first EMP released by the Christie Administration and is intended to outline the Administration’s strategic vision for the use, management, and development of energy resources in New Jersey over the next decade. New Jersey law requires the creation of a new EMP every ten years and an update every three years. The 2011 EMP updates the EMP released by the Corzine Administration in 2008.

The 2011 draft EMP contains five overarching goals for New Jersey energy policy:

1. Drive down the cost of energy for all customers;
2. Promote a diverse portfolio of new, clean, in-State generation;
3. Reward energy efficiency and energy conservation and reduce peak demand;
4. Capitalize on emerging technologies for transportation and power production; and
5. Maintain support for the renewable energy portfolio standard ("RPS") of 22.5 percent of energy from renewable sources by 2021.

To advance these goals, the 2011 draft EMP identifies and discusses over 20 specific policy recommendations. The EMP divides its policy recommendations into the following categories (click on the links below for more information on the specific policy recommendations under each category):

• Conventional Generation Resources
• Renewable Resources
• Energy Efficiency, Conservation and Demand Response
• Innovative Technology and Business Opportunities

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities ("BPU") serves as the lead implementing agency for the EMP. The BPU is responsible for coordinating among the various state agencies, energy providers, consumers, and other stakeholders; tracking and reporting progress through annual reporting to the Governor and the EMP website; and working with the legislature to develop or modify existing and future energy programs that support the EMP's goals. The BPU intends to hold three public hearings on the draft EMP: (1) July 26 in Newark; (2) August 3 in Trenton; and (3) August 11 in Pomona.

If you have any questions concerning the draft EMP or are interested in commenting on the draft, please contact the office at 484-430-5700 or any of the following individual attorneys: Bruce Katcher, Brenda Gotanda, Brett Slensky, Dan Reiter, and Bryan Franey.