Mercer Times

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has announced the adoption of minimum filing requirements (MFRs) for investor-owned electric distribution companies (EDCs). These requirements are designed to expand charging access for medium-and-heavy-duty (MHD) electric vehicles and fleets. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from New Jersey's transportation sector, which accounts for nearly 40% of the state's net emissions.

Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the importance of this development, stating, "Today’s announcement by the BPU is a key part of my Administration’s whole-of-government approach to reducing harmful emissions from the transportation sector that negatively impact the health of our residents." NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy added, "Under Governor Murphy’s leadership and in coordination with New Jersey’s EDCs, the NJBPU remains at the forefront of advancing smart, clean transportation initiatives and infrastructure that provide considerable health and environmental benefits."

The MFRs allow utilities to offer additional incentives for overburdened municipalities and communities near Freight EV Corridors. They also support small businesses. The plan includes proposals for "Make Ready" chargers for public-serving fleets and certain private fleets in these areas.

To ensure scalability, MFRs will connect applicants with utilities and require capacity maps showing where grids can support MHD charging. This framework supports planning for public charging stations over 500 kW, fleets, and multi-unit dwellings. Managed charging programs will balance grid demand by encouraging nighttime charging.

This initiative builds on efforts by the Murphy Administration to promote clean transportation. EDCs must file their proposed programs within 120 days.

In July, a $250 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant was awarded to the Clean Corridor Coalition led by New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection. This coalition includes agencies from Connecticut, Delaware, and Maryland aiming to deploy EV infrastructure along Interstate-95.

On Wednesday, historic funding was announced at Ridgefield's Vince Lombardi Service Area by the U.S. EPA and NJDEP.

NJCEP provides financial incentives for high-efficiency or renewable energy technologies in New Jersey. It is overseen by NJBPU, which regulates essential services like electricity and water.