Governor signs multiple Day 1 executive orders, directing development of a virtual power plant program, advancing siting and permitting reforms, and launching new clean energy solicitations
TRENTON, NJ – Today, Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a series of executive orders focused on affordability and clean energy deployment — among her first official actions as governor, issued during her inaugural address.
The executive orders include directing the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to commence development of a virtual power plant (VPP) program within 180 days to reduce peak demand by aggregating behind-the-meter distributed energy resources. The order further directs BPU to build on existing energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs, identify opportunities to increase competitiveness among third-party electricity suppliers that aggregate distributed energy resources, and assess operational and policy changes needed to enable aggregated resources to fully participate in PJM’s capacity market.
“Virtual power plants are a proven, cost-effective way to lower peak demand, improve reliability, and put downward pressure on energy bills,” said Katie Mettle, New Jersey State Lead at Advanced Energy United. “Making clean energy and affordability a day-one priority — literally before the inaugural address was even over — sends a clear signal that she’s focused on delivering real relief for families while building the energy system our future demands. These executive orders are tackling peak demand, unlocking customer-sited resources, and speeding deployment of solar and storage.”
Additional directives include advancing siting and permitting reforms, initiating new solicitations for utility-scale solar, energy storage, and distributed generation.
“Governor Sherrill is meeting the moment,” added Mettle. “We’re excited to work with the Sherrill administration to turn this momentum into real results for New Jersey consumers.”