New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill AJR216

Introduced
2/20/25  
Refer
2/20/25  

Caption

Directs BPU to investigate PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s Reliability Pricing Model; directs State to promote affordable energy practices and to urge PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. to implement certain reforms.

Impact

The proposed investigation into PJM's Reliability Pricing Model is expected to have considerable implications for New Jersey's energy policies. By focusing on the correlation between capacity prices and cost-effectiveness, AJR216 seeks to ensure that any developments in the energy sector are in line with the state's efforts to make energy affordable for all residents. Especially for low-income families, maintaining a balance between reliability and affordability will be critical as energy demands grow over the next decade. Additionally, the bill's direction for investigating market reforms aims to protect consumers from the increasing costs seen in the current auction framework.

Summary

AJR216 is a joint resolution introduced in the Legislature of New Jersey that directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to investigate PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s Reliability Pricing Model. This resolution emphasizes the importance of maintaining adequate resources on the electricity grid while ensuring that costs are kept as low as possible for ratepayers. With the rising costs associated with PJM's capacity market auctions impacting consumers, this investigation aims to assess if these costs align with the principles of affordability and transparency highlighted in New Jersey's Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act. The resolution also calls for collaboration with neighboring states to promote affordable energy practices.

Contention

While the bill is intended to promote energy affordability and sustainability, there may be points of contention among stakeholders. Some industry advocates might argue that reforming PJM's pricing model could disrupt current market operations, potentially leading to short-term challenges in resource allocation. There might also be concerns about how effectively these reforms can be implemented given the complexity of energy markets and the various stakeholders involved. The resolution, while well-intentioned, may face scrutiny from those worried that it could alter the balance in a way that disproportionately affects certain regions or energy suppliers.

Companion Bills

NJ SJR154

Same As Directs BPU to investigate PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s Reliability Pricing Model; directs State to promote affordable energy practices and to urge PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. to implement certain reforms.

Previously Filed As

NJ SJR154

Directs BPU to investigate PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s Reliability Pricing Model; directs State to promote affordable energy practices and to urge PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. to implement certain reforms.

NJ SR133

Respectfully urges Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reject results of PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s 2025/2026 Base Residual Auction and require rebid.

NJ SR125

Urges states in PJM Interconnection region to require data centers to obtain electricity from new zero- or low-emission sources of energy.

NJ A3711

Directs BPU to update interconnection standards for Class I renewable energy sources and develop fixed fee structure for interconnection costs.

NJ A3037

Directs BPU to update interconnection standards for Class I renewable energy sources and develop fixed fee structure for interconnection costs.

NJ S212

Directs BPU to update interconnection standards for Class I renewable energy sources and develop fixed fee structure for interconnection costs.

NJ S431

Directs BPU to update interconnection standards for Class I renewable energy sources and develop fixed fee structure for interconnection costs.

NJ AB1408

Electricity: interconnections.

NJ A4513

Requires electric public utilities to implement certain improvements to interconnection process for certain grid supply solar facilities and energy storage facilities.

NJ A5564

Requires submission of energy usage plan to BPU for proposed artificial intelligence data centers; requires all electricity for artificial intelligence data centers to be derived from new clean energy sources.

Similar Bills

NJ SJR154

Directs BPU to investigate PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s Reliability Pricing Model; directs State to promote affordable energy practices and to urge PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. to implement certain reforms.

NH SB166

Relative to electric grid modernization.

ME LD1726

An Act to Enhance the Coordination and Effectiveness of Integrated Distribution Grid Planning

CA SB284

Electricity: energization transparency and efficiency: wholesale distribution service.

MA H3542

Advancing the clean energy transition

MA S2282

Advancing the clean energy transition

NH SB262

Relative to customer generators of electric energy.

VA SB1058

Electric utilities; distribution cost sharing program established, etc.