In this article from NJ Spotlight News, reporter Tom Johnson discusses the challenges of electrification in New Jersey.
New Jersey is pushing to electrify its transportation and building sectors, but concerns are rising about whether the aging power grid can handle the increased demand. The state needs to double its electric generating capacity to meet its clean-energy goals.
Homeowners in South Jersey are struggling to connect solar panels to the grid, and the state is still figuring out how to distribute power from offshore wind farms. Additionally, New Jersey lags behind other states in building the necessary charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Auto manufacturers are hesitant to produce more electric vehicles due to slow sales, and lawmakers are worried about the lack of infrastructure to support the transition. The upcoming legislative elections are focusing on these issues, with debates on offshore wind development and its impact on tourism and energy bills.
While some advocate for speeding up electrification investments, others, including utility executives, caution against moving too quickly. They emphasize the need for a methodical approach to ensure the system remains affordable and reliable. The federal government has allocated $3.5 billion for grid improvements, but more investments are needed to meet the state’s clean-energy goals.
Read the full article on NJ Spotlight News:Â https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2023/11/is-nj-moving-too-fast-on-electrification/
