■ Utilities
■ Utilities
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on any single solution risks diverting resources from solutions that may also be effective and can be more rapidly or cost-effectively deployed .” Moves to increase energy efficiency must always be applauded and encouraged , he said .
NJUA and the BPU have a long worked together on programs designed to bring energy efficiencies to homes and businesses across the state . Because the BPU regulates the utilities , it ’ s a key ally for the NJUA .
“ Working together , it ’ s critical to continue to offer a robust range of programs to help customers pursue options that allow them to lower their electric and natural gas usage , and their
bills , while not sacrificing their quality of life ,” Henning said . “ Lowering demand for energy will make clean energy goals more affordable for all .”
Henning also wants to ensure his association ’ s perspective is equally understood by the Governor ’ s office , the state Legislature , and the state Department of Environmental Protection , all of which follow NJUA ’ s advocacy efforts .
The common denominator among all these varying decision makers ? To ensure the utilities are working better to serve New Jerseyans .
That can be accomplished , Henning said , when utilities and government continually work together .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / bjdlzx /
Henning comes to the NJUA with important perspective , serving as a councilman in his hometown , Park Ridge , for nearly 10 years .
The long nights spent at council meetings , preparing municipal budgets and interacting with taxpayers offer valuable insights that can be used for the NJUA . Background in public service has helped Henning address energy issues and other challenges , such as the digital divide that emerged during the pandemic and the new regulations arising in the water industry .
The NJUA gives the Murphy Administration high marks for creating the New Jersey Office of Broadband Connectivity at the BPU to help ensure every segment of the state – urban , suburban , rural – have sufficient broadband . When the pandemic hit , students were sent home under the assumption they could be schooled over the internet . It became apparent quickly , however , that some communities struggled to provide universal online access because of limited capabilities . Henning hopes the state ’ s telecommunication companies , including Verizon , Comcast and AT & T , are consulted as better solutions are considered .
“ We need to help form these partnerships ,” he said , noting association members are invaluable in devising solutions to the broadband question , as well as challenges regarding a water master plan , solar power development and other critical topics of the day .
“ Utilities have to be part of this equation . There is no one better to devise solutions than the people who have been running utilities for – in some cases – a century and a half ,” Henning added . “ It ’ s just common sense that we continue to have a seat at the table when key decisions are being made .
“ That ’ s what we ’ re fighting for .”
Families count on safe water from their taps .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / kate
New Jersey ’ s largest utility , Public Service Electric & Gas , the recipient of the 2023 ReliabilityOne ® Award for Outstanding Reliability Performance in the Mid-Atlantic Metropolitan Service Area , routinely sends highly-skilled teams to inspect , repair and upgrade their system to ensure that the electric grid is safe and reliable for their 2.3 million residential and commercial customers .
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