UTILITIES
UTILITIES
“ Experienced ” New CEO Energizes Utilities
By Diane C . Walsh Editor , COMMERCE
Richard Henning is widely known for his experience and pragmatism – two commodities the New Jersey Utilities Association ( NJUA ) needs as the state ’ s leading electric , natural gas , telecommunications and water companies face an onslaught of challenges .
NJUA recruited Henning as its new President and CEO after he retired from Veolia , where he had served as senior vice president of communications and government affairs for 34 years . Henning prides himself on the knowledge and practical approach he brings to the NJAU helm .
“ I ’ m a utility guy ,” Henning said . His unique background offers the association a keen understanding of pressing issues and enables him to devise policies and procedures that fulfill the association ’ s goals , advancing a key sector of the state ’ s economy that directly affects millions of people .
Mark Kahrer , a senior vice president at New Jersey Natural Gas , who chairs the NJUA , described Henning as a natural fit for the organization with an “ unparalleled understanding of the issues and unrivaled passion for the industry .”
Since Henning took over , “ he has worked with his team and our stakeholders to create a new vision and path forward for NJUA ,” Kahrer said . “ I am confident in his ability to lead the organization , drive innovation and collaboration and help shape the future of essential , lifeline services in New Jersey .”
Founded in 1915 , the NJUA is a statewide trade association representing investor-owned utilities that provide heat , electricity , clean water , telephone and cable services to more than 7 million residential customers and another million commercial accounts across the state .
NJUA ’ s 13 member companies have deep roots in the state ; many have been operating here for more than a century . The roster includes several companies that also belong to the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey , including Jersey Central Power &, Light , Public Service Electric & Gas , New Jersey American Water , Veolia and Verizon . ( For a complete list of members , visit njua . com .)
When Henning took office in January , he prioritized drafting a strategic and tactical plan for the association to address critical issues impacting the state ’ s utilities . Henning is determined that the NJUA lead and drive utility service transformation in New Jersey and be recognized by stakeholders as a partner for change and adaptation .
Henning emphasizes his members essential role in the state ’ s economy “ because utilities are the ones who created the pathway for growth in the state ,” he explained .
Henning wants to further educate the public about how utilities deliver the highest-quality , environmentally-conscious services that are customer-friendly , safe , reliable and affordable .
In Gov . Phil Murphy ’ s campaign to combat climate change , he is intent on making the Garden State a leader in renewable energy . The governor adopted aggressive goals calling for a 35 percent conversion to clean energy by 2025 and a 50 percent change by 2030 . Offshore wind and solar energy have been priorities in the administration ’ s plan to achieve its goals .
Water treatment plant powered both by wind turbines and solar panels in Atlantic City , New Jersey
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Alex Potemkin
Richard Henning , President and CEO of New Jersey Utilities Association ( NJUA )
While the NJUA embraces the Murphy Administration ’ s commitment to clean energy , it endorses a more diverse approach that preserves the state ’ s nuclear facilities – which it touts for providing reliable , carbon-free energy – while also expanding renewable sources . The association ’ s definition of renewable resources encompasses solar , wind , geothermal and hydropower energy – along with clean hydrogen and renewable natural gas / biogas as strong alternatives .
Christina Gordillo Farrell , the NJUA vice president , often describes the association ’ s position on clean energy as an “ all of the above ” approach for New Jersey .
Farrell notes that a move from a fossil-fuel based economy will demand a huge investment and should be approached with careful study and evaluation . One of the biggest hurdles is that nearly 75 percent of the state ’ s residents rely on natural gas as their primary heating source . Moreover , nearly half of the state ’ s electricity is generated from natural gas .
In testimony before the state Board of Public Utilities ( BPU ), Henning said : “ NJUA encourages consideration of varied decarbonization options and prioritization of those options to pursue those that are most cost-effectively implemented for decarbonization in the state . Overreliance
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