PSE&G Proposes $773 Million Solar Energy Program (New Jersey)

[jpak]

http://www.solarbuzz.com/News/NewsNAGO380.htm

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) today asked New Jersey regulators to approve a $773-million proposal to bring the benefits of 120 megawatts of solar power directly to communities and customers throughout its service territory. In a filing with the state’s Board of Public Utilities, PSE&G proposed a unique and comprehensive Solar 4 All Program with one segment that includes the largest pole-attached solar installation in the country. The program will result in savings to municipal and county budgets and will utilize brownfields and other underdeveloped properties for solar generation.

PSE&G will invest in, own and operate the grid-connected solar energy systems and will collaborate with experienced solar developers, installers and manufacturers to develop projects. The initiative will create environmental benefits to New Jersey by providing carbon-free solar generation to all utility customers.

“We designed our program to ensure that everyone has access to the benefits of solar energy,” said Ralph LaRossa, president and COO of PSE&G. “The program strongly supports New Jersey’s aggressive renewable energy and environmental goals and helps to strengthen the competitive solar industry in the state. By partnering with solar developers, we will bring solar projects online more quickly and cost effectively. We will also make solar energy available to every neighborhood in our service area, ensuring universal access.”

LaRossa said the program will encourage growth for the solar industry by providing financing and capital to build solar capacity in these difficult economic times. The investment will help New Jersey address an expected shortfall in its current solar energy requirements. It will also generate hundreds of green jobs to help stimulate New Jersey’s economy by training a pool of skilled workers who will be available for the entire solar industry. The initiative will expand New Jersey’s solar infrastructure and will satisfy nearly 7 percent of the state’s renewable portfolio standards requirements through 2020.

<more>

[LiberalEsto]

1. Wonderful news!

:fistbump: :applause:

I hope other states follow suit.