THE STABLE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMS IN NEW JERSEY: HOW POLICY AND INCENTIVES CAN TRANSFORM THE MARKETPLACE

摘要

The New Jersey Clean Energy Program entered into a year of grand transition. Under the leadership of Governor James E. Mc Greevey and Board of Public Utilities President, Jeanne Fox, a dynamic vision for the future of energy has been fashion; buoyed by a intrepid stable of programs that literally smash through the traditional barriers to wide-scale renewable energy implementation. The McGreevey administration's incorrigible commitment to clean, alternative energy sources is realized through the sage use of the State's societal benefits fund (SBC) as well as supporting policy and regulatory initiatives. This paper will discuss the synergistic programs and policies that have been created to transform the marketplace for renewable energy. It will discuss the mechanisms that have been used to focus on creating a viable renewable energy powered future for New Jersey, while making sure that solar power is given a prominent seat at the table. The renewable energy program in New Jersey is funded at a minimum of 25% of the annual SBC funds. The program is comprised of a set of initiatives that focus on buying down the first cost for systems, financing the incremental cost of systems, providing competitive long term financing for large-scale projects, supporting in-state development and commercialization of cutting edge renewable energy technologies, in-state manufacturing, broad public education initiatives and a set of regulations and policies that facilitate interconnection to the electrical grid, attaining revenue streams from attributes, and reduction of costs related to system infrastructure. The programs and policies to be discussed are: 1. Customer Onsite Renewable Energy Program 2. Renewable Energy Advanced Power Program 3. Renewable Energy Economic Development Program 4. Reduced Energy Demand Options Program 5. Financing for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program 6. Manufacturing Incentive Program~* (under development) 7. Demonstration Program~* (under development) 8. Renewable Portfolio Standard with Solar set aside 9. Net Metering up to 2 MW 10. Statewide Interconnection Standards.