GHG Emissions, Utilities - January 28, 2021
New Jersey expands EV charging
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announced on Jan. 27 that it approved a settlement to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the state. Cars, trucks and buses are the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey, making it a priority to electrifying the transportation sector as a key strategy to improve the state's air quality and reduce health care costs.
With this approval, PSE&G, the state's largest utility, will invest $166 million over an expected six years to build out the state's EV charging infrastructure. PSE&G's program is expected to avoid 14 million metric tons of carbon emissions through 2035.
"EV adoption is critical to meeting New Jersey's clean energy goals," Karen Reif, vice president of PSE&G's renewables and energy solutions group, said in a statement. "The scarcity of public and private charging infrastructure discourages more people from driving electric vehicles. PSE&G's program will address those concerns and is designed to encourage people to make the switch to clean-running EVs and to help New Jersey enjoy the environmental and health benefits that will result from electrifying the transportation sector."
PSE&G's investments are designed to increase the availability of vehicle charging and ease the fears that an electric vehicle will run out of power before reaching a charging location. Many drivers cite the lack of convenient charging options as the top reason they are reluctant to switch to electric vehicles.
Making it easier to charge and drive electric vehicles is another step toward achieving Gov. Phil Murphy's clean energy vision for New Jersey. PSE&G's EV investment program includes supporting the infrastructure for residential charging equipment, EV chargers at multifamily buildings, government facilities and public parking lots, as well as fast charging infrastructure along high-traffic corridors such as the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. The program also includes provisions for discounted charging during off-peak hours.
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