Energy
Average energy consumption (127 million Btu per year) in New Jersey homes and average household energy expenditures ($3,065 per year) are among the highest in the country, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Although New Jersey households consume less electricity on average (8,902 kWh per year), higher than average electricity prices in the state means residents pay more for electricity than the average U.S. household, partly due to the fact that New Jersey homes, which average 2,400 square feet, are 20% larger than the average home across the nation. Nearly half the energy consumed in New Jersey homes is for space heating. Air conditioning accounts for a larger share of household consumption than other Northeast states, but still only accounts for 3% of the total energy used in homes. Over 80% of New Jersey households use natural gas as the main source of heat, among the highest rates of natural gas use for residential heating in the country. Nearly all New Jersey households (93%) use air conditioning equipment and a majority (63%) rely on central air conditioning systems. * Household Energy Use in New Jersey, US Energy Information Administration New Jersey’s four nuclear power plants (at two sites) produce, on average, about 50 percent of New Jersey’s electric power. Because nuclear power plants do not emit greenhouse gases and criteria pollutants, nuclear power generation in New Jersey is a critical component of the State’s clean energy portfolio. The State is ranked among the top three states in the nation in production of solar energy and ranks second for “net-metered” solar generation. Net metered systems produce and use energy on-site, as opposed to large scale, grid-supply projects that consume vast amounts of open space measured in square miles.
he plan claimed that the state’s vibrant and robust natural-gas infrastructure -- which has seen nearly $1 billion in investment over the past several years, as well as the building of new gas-fired power plants -- has allowed New Jersey to take advantage of low fuel prices and decreasing energy costs.As the chart below shows, New Jersey’s in-state electricity generation by fuel type has changed significantly since 2011. In-state electricity generation is measured as the total retail sales, less the out-of-state imports. Notably, imports now only account for approximately 12% of New Jersey’s total electricity usage. Between 2011 and 2014, coal in-state generation was cut in half, from 8% to 4%; renewables doubled, from 2% to 4%; natural gas increased by one-third, from 33% to 44%; and nuclear held steady at an average of about 50 percent (the annual rate fluctuates due to scheduled and unscheduled outages). With the drop in natural gas prices, electricity demand has increasingly been met by cleaner, in-state, combined cycle natural gas generation (NGCC) and less on imported power from facilities with higher, more polluting New Jersey remains committed to meeting the renewable energy production target of 22.5% by 2021, which was established by BPU in 2006, and adopted in subsequent energy master plans published in 2008 and 2011.4 As set forth at N Between 2011 and 2014, electricity usage in New Jersey from in-state sources increased slightly from 65 million MWh to 67 million MWh. Significantly, however, imports from out-of-state substantially declined from 15 million MWh to 9 million MWh, demonstrating a net decrease in overall consumption from 80 million MWh to 76 million MWh between 2011 and 2014. (See Appendix, p. 66) But that trend, which the update hopes to continue, is precisely the opposite direction that many critics of the 2011 plan had argued New Jersey should take. They called for less reliance on fossil fuels like natural gas and an increased commitment to cleaner sources of energy like solar and offshore wind. RELATED LINKSDRAFT ENERGY PLAN “This plan is clearly a victory lap for the Christie administration’s love of natural gas,’’ said Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey. “In the face of massive public opposition to new pipelines, the Board of Public Utilities goes double down on natural gas.’’ The updated plan, released late Friday, makes no changes to the state’s renewable-energy goals, which aims to have 22.5 percent of its electricity come from such sources by 2021. Fifteen percent of the state’s electricity is produced by renewable energy, but only four percent is produced here in New Jersey. In hearings before the agency, as well as in the Legislature, clean-energy advocates are trying to ramp up how much of the state’s electricity should come from renewables. One bill, approved by a Senate committee, recommends that 80 percent of the state’s electricity come from renewables by 2050. The updated plan forecasts no such radical departure, instead building on the success of promoting natural gas as a way to lower energy bills. Since 2011, residential electric bills have declined by 3 percent, the plan said. Instead of the fourth-highest electric costs, New Jersey now ranks 10th highest in the nation. “This is progress,’’ the plan noted. “New Jersey should continue to pursue measures that will drive down prices even further -- especially future costs with building significant transmission infrastructure will place upward pressure on prices.’’ RELATED STORIES CRITICS OF ENERGY MASTER PLAN MAKE OPINIONS HEARD AT PUBLIC HEARING AGGRESSIVE RENEWABLE-ENERGY BILL VOTED OUT OF STATE SENATE COMMITTEE BPU President Richard Mroz noted energy is a vital tool for economic growth and job creation. “This update shows that Gov. Christie’s strategies in the 2011 state Energy Master Plan are producing strong results and moving the state towards the goal of reducing energy costs from being among the nation’s highest and making them competitive to costs in other regions and states,’’ Mroz said. But Paul Patterson, an energy analyst with Glenrock Associates in New York City, argued that New Jersey’s experience isn’t all that unique. “Lower natural-gas prices are probably instrumental in driving down prices not only for New Jersey, but nationwide,’’ Patterson said. “The trend has been investment away from coal and nuclear to natural gas. That’s been the fuel of choice for traditional reliable investment by far.’’ Beyond the reliance on natural gas, clean-energy advocates are upset that the state is not increasing its investment in renewables. In fact, the update paints a pessimistic outlook for development of offshore wind, citing its costs and technological challenges. “While the future may bring change, offshore wind is not economically viable at this time,’’ the plan concluded. At one time, the state hoped to develop 1,100 megawatts of offshore wind farms along the Jersey coast by 2020. Earlier this month, two wind developers paid close to $2 million to buy leases from the federal government for wind farms off the Jersey coast. |
In 2015, New Jersey had three nuclear plants generating approximately half of the state's total electric capacity. The Oyster Creek nuclear reactor on Barnegat Bay in Forked River is owned by Exelon Nuclear and is the oldest operating nuclear power plant in the United States, commencing operation in 1969 and scheduled to shut down in 2019. The two other plants are owned by PSEG Nuclear and located adjacent to each other on an island in the Delaware River in Lower Alloways Creek Township.
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-- Renewable energy
New Jersey has adopted a Renewable Portfolio Standard requiring that more than 20% of net electricity sales come from renewable energy resources by 2021; specific solar and offshore wind requirements are included in the standard. New Jersey has enacted the nation's first offshore wind renewable energy standard, requiring at least 1,100 megawatts by 2021 in its renewable energy portfolio. New Jersey is home to the Gloucester Marine Terminal complex, the largest rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) array in the United States. In 2014, all new electricity generating capacity installed in the state was solar PV capacity. The state’s Solar Energy Renewable Certificate system, which pays owners of solar arrays for the electricity they produce, a model funded by utility ratepayers. As a result, consumers and businesses pay three to five times more for solar electricity than do customers in neighboring states, according to Rawlings. |
- New Jersey averaged the 10th-highest electricity prices in the nation in 2014.
- In 2015, New Jersey had three nuclear plants generating approximately half of its total capacity. The Oyster Creek nuclear reactor in Forked River is owned by Exelon Nuclear and is the oldest operating nuclear power plant in the United States, commencing operation in 1969 and scheduled to shut down in 2019. The two other plants are owned by PSEG Nuclear;
- New Jersey has adopted a renewable portfolio standard that will require nearly one-fourth of net electricity sales to come from renewable energy resources by 2021. Specific solar and offshore wind requirements are included in the standard.
- New Jersey has adopted a Renewable Portfolio Standard requiring that more than 20% of net electricity sales come from renewable energy resources by 2021; specific solar and offshore wind requirements are included in the standard.
- New Jersey has enacted the nation's first offshore wind renewable energy standard, requiring at least 1,100 megawatts by 2021 in its renewable energy portfolio.
- New Jersey is home to the Gloucester Marine Terminal complex, the largest rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) array in the United States. In 2014, all new electricity generating capacity installed in the state was solar PV capacity.
As of May 2011, New Jersey’s retail electric rates remain among the most expensive in the nation.
7
Residential and industrial rates are the sixth most expensive, , while commercial rates are the seventh most expensive.
8
In this figure the composition of “other” technology types, including renewables is shown. New Jersey generating capacity totals 17,227 MW, about 84% of NewJersey’s peak load of 20,548 MW in 2010.
38
The energy generated by these plants in 2011 isshown in Figure 13.
39
Nuclear plants generated the most energy, over 50% of the State’s total generation. Natural gas-fired plants provide about 38%, and coal-fired plants provide a littleover 8% of the state’s generation. New Jersey’s in-state generation was equivalent to about 75%of the State’s 2010 total energy requirements.
40
Over one-half of that generation was producedfrom carbon-free sources, predominantly nuclear; it includes a very small but growing solar andwind component.
Figure 12. 2010 Existing Capacity in New Jersey by Fuel Type (MW and %)
Natural Gas; 9,756; 56.6%Nuclear; 4,108; 23.8%Coal; 2,036; 11.8%Diesel; 630; 3.7%Hydro; 405; 2.4%Oil; 148; 0.9%Solid Waste; 142; 0.8%Solar; 2; 0.0%
37
Source: 2010 PJM Regional Transmission Expansion Plan, Figure 14.17
38
Based on the peak load as reported at http://www.pjm.com/markets-and-operations/compliance/nerc-standards/historical-load-data.aspx (See Demand Forecast Section). It is difficult to draw conclusions about NewJersey’s ability to satisfy its in-state demand due to the dynamic power flows into and out of the state.
39
Source: EIA: http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/page/eia906_920.html
40
Based on in-state generation of 65,604.968 GWh and Energy Demand of 84,087.946 GWh as reported athttp://www.pjm.com/markets-and-operations/compliance/nerc-standards/historical-load-data.aspx (See DemandForecast Section)
◾The transportation sector led energy consumption in New Jersey in 2011, where the average commute time has been among the longest in the nation.
◾New Jersey averaged the tenth highest electricity prices in the nation in 2013.
◾New Jersey’s Oyster Creek nuclear reactor, which began operation in 1969, is the oldest operating nuclear power plant in the United States.
◾New Jersey has adopted a Renewable Portfolio Standard requiring that more than 20% of net electricity sales come from renewable energy resources by 2021; specific solar and offshore wind requirements are included in the standard.
◾New Jersey has enacted the nation's first offshore wind renewable energy standard, requiring at least 1,100 megawatts by 2021 in its renewable energy portfolio.
◾Average site energy consumption (127 million Btu per year) in New Jersey homes and average household energy expenditures ($3,065 per year) are among the highest in the country, according to EIA's Residential Energy Consumption Survey.
New Jersey, U.S. Rankings
0 New Jersey 15.56 cents per kwh march 2015 `10th
1 Hawaii 31.20
2 Massachusetts 22.12
Natural Gas Residential Prices, March 2015 7.53
($/thousand cu ft) 46th
49 Texas 7.48
50 Illinois 7.44
Consumption
Total Energy Consumed per Capita, 2012
(million Btu)
36 New Jersey 256
1 Wyoming 949
2 Alaska 873
3 Louisiana 849
Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2012
(million metric tons)
17 New Jersey 99.0
61% from petroleum 34% from natural gas
Rankings: Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2012
(million metric tons)
Rank
State
Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions
(million metric tons)
1 Texas 656.0
2 California 345.0
3 Pennsylvania 233.0
Total Energy per Capita 37
Expenditures
Total Energy per Capita 24
Production
Total Energy 34
Crude Oil --
Natural Gas --
Coal --
Electricity 22
Prices
Natural Gas 47
Electricity 10
Environment
Carbon Dioxide Emissions 17
7
Residential and industrial rates are the sixth most expensive, , while commercial rates are the seventh most expensive.
8
In this figure the composition of “other” technology types, including renewables is shown. New Jersey generating capacity totals 17,227 MW, about 84% of NewJersey’s peak load of 20,548 MW in 2010.
38
The energy generated by these plants in 2011 isshown in Figure 13.
39
Nuclear plants generated the most energy, over 50% of the State’s total generation. Natural gas-fired plants provide about 38%, and coal-fired plants provide a littleover 8% of the state’s generation. New Jersey’s in-state generation was equivalent to about 75%of the State’s 2010 total energy requirements.
40
Over one-half of that generation was producedfrom carbon-free sources, predominantly nuclear; it includes a very small but growing solar andwind component.
Figure 12. 2010 Existing Capacity in New Jersey by Fuel Type (MW and %)
Natural Gas; 9,756; 56.6%Nuclear; 4,108; 23.8%Coal; 2,036; 11.8%Diesel; 630; 3.7%Hydro; 405; 2.4%Oil; 148; 0.9%Solid Waste; 142; 0.8%Solar; 2; 0.0%
37
Source: 2010 PJM Regional Transmission Expansion Plan, Figure 14.17
38
Based on the peak load as reported at http://www.pjm.com/markets-and-operations/compliance/nerc-standards/historical-load-data.aspx (See Demand Forecast Section). It is difficult to draw conclusions about NewJersey’s ability to satisfy its in-state demand due to the dynamic power flows into and out of the state.
39
Source: EIA: http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/page/eia906_920.html
40
Based on in-state generation of 65,604.968 GWh and Energy Demand of 84,087.946 GWh as reported athttp://www.pjm.com/markets-and-operations/compliance/nerc-standards/historical-load-data.aspx (See DemandForecast Section)
◾The transportation sector led energy consumption in New Jersey in 2011, where the average commute time has been among the longest in the nation.
◾New Jersey averaged the tenth highest electricity prices in the nation in 2013.
◾New Jersey’s Oyster Creek nuclear reactor, which began operation in 1969, is the oldest operating nuclear power plant in the United States.
◾New Jersey has adopted a Renewable Portfolio Standard requiring that more than 20% of net electricity sales come from renewable energy resources by 2021; specific solar and offshore wind requirements are included in the standard.
◾New Jersey has enacted the nation's first offshore wind renewable energy standard, requiring at least 1,100 megawatts by 2021 in its renewable energy portfolio.
◾Average site energy consumption (127 million Btu per year) in New Jersey homes and average household energy expenditures ($3,065 per year) are among the highest in the country, according to EIA's Residential Energy Consumption Survey.
New Jersey, U.S. Rankings
0 New Jersey 15.56 cents per kwh march 2015 `10th
1 Hawaii 31.20
2 Massachusetts 22.12
Natural Gas Residential Prices, March 2015 7.53
($/thousand cu ft) 46th
49 Texas 7.48
50 Illinois 7.44
Consumption
Total Energy Consumed per Capita, 2012
(million Btu)
36 New Jersey 256
1 Wyoming 949
2 Alaska 873
3 Louisiana 849
Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2012
(million metric tons)
17 New Jersey 99.0
61% from petroleum 34% from natural gas
Rankings: Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2012
(million metric tons)
Rank
State
Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions
(million metric tons)
1 Texas 656.0
2 California 345.0
3 Pennsylvania 233.0
Total Energy per Capita 37
Expenditures
Total Energy per Capita 24
Production
Total Energy 34
Crude Oil --
Natural Gas --
Coal --
Electricity 22
Prices
Natural Gas 47
Electricity 10
Environment
Carbon Dioxide Emissions 17
As of May 2011, New Jersey’s retail electric rates remain among the most expensive in the nation.
7
Residential and industrial rates are the sixth most expensive, , while commercial rates are the seventh most expensive.
8
In this figure the composition of “other” technology types, including renewables is shown. New Jersey generating capacity totals 17,227 MW, about 84% of NewJersey’s peak load of 20,548 MW in 2010.
38
The energy generated by these plants in 2011 isshown in Figure 13.
39
Nuclear plants generated the most energy, over 50% of the State’s total generation. Natural gas-fired plants provide about 38%, and coal-fired plants provide a littleover 8% of the state’s generation. New Jersey’s in-state generation was equivalent to about 75%of the State’s 2010 total energy requirements.
40
Over one-half of that generation was producedfrom carbon-free sources, predominantly nuclear; it includes a very small but growing solar andwind component.
Figure 12. 2010 Existing Capacity in New Jersey by Fuel Type (MW and %)
Natural Gas; 9,756; 56.6%Nuclear; 4,108; 23.8%Coal; 2,036; 11.8%Diesel; 630; 3.7%Hydro; 405; 2.4%Oil; 148; 0.9%Solid Waste; 142; 0.8%Solar; 2; 0.0%
37
Source: 2010 PJM Regional Transmission Expansion Plan, Figure 14.17
38
Based on the peak load as reported at http://www.pjm.com/markets-and-operations/compliance/nerc-standards/historical-load-data.aspx (See Demand Forecast Section). It is difficult to draw conclusions about NewJersey’s ability to satisfy its in-state demand due to the dynamic power flows into and out of the state.
39
Source: EIA: http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/page/eia906_920.html
40
Based on in-state generation of 65,604.968 GWh and Energy Demand of 84,087.946 GWh as reported athttp://www.pjm.com/markets-and-operations/compliance/nerc-standards/historical-load-data.aspx (See DemandForecast Section)
◾The transportation sector led energy consumption in New Jersey in 2011, where the average commute time has been among the longest in the nation.
◾New Jersey averaged the tenth highest electricity prices in the nation in 2013.
◾New Jersey’s Oyster Creek nuclear reactor, which began operation in 1969, is the oldest operating nuclear power plant in the United States.
◾New Jersey has adopted a Renewable Portfolio Standard requiring that more than 20% of net electricity sales come from renewable energy resources by 2021; specific solar and offshore wind requirements are included in the standard.
◾New Jersey has enacted the nation's first offshore wind renewable energy standard, requiring at least 1,100 megawatts by 2021 in its renewable energy portfolio.
◾Average site energy consumption (127 million Btu per year) in New Jersey homes and average household energy expenditures ($3,065 per year) are among the highest in the country, according to EIA's Residential Energy Consumption Survey.
New Jersey, U.S. Rankings
0 New Jersey 15.56 cents per kwh march 2015 `10th
1 Hawaii 31.20
2 Massachusetts 22.12
Natural Gas Residential Prices, March 2015 7.53
($/thousand cu ft) 46th
49 Texas 7.48
50 Illinois 7.44
Consumption
Total Energy Consumed per Capita, 2012
(million Btu)
36 New Jersey 256
1 Wyoming 949
2 Alaska 873
3 Louisiana 849
Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2012
(million metric tons)
17 New Jersey 99.0
61% from petroleum 34% from natural gas
Rankings: Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2012
(million metric tons)
Rank
State
Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions
(million metric tons)
1 Texas 656.0
2 California 345.0
3 Pennsylvania 233.0
Total Energy per Capita 37
Expenditures
Total Energy per Capita 24
Production
Total Energy 34
Crude Oil --
Natural Gas --
Coal --
Electricity 22
Prices
Natural Gas 47
Electricity 10
Environment
Carbon Dioxide Emissions 17
7
Residential and industrial rates are the sixth most expensive, , while commercial rates are the seventh most expensive.
8
In this figure the composition of “other” technology types, including renewables is shown. New Jersey generating capacity totals 17,227 MW, about 84% of NewJersey’s peak load of 20,548 MW in 2010.
38
The energy generated by these plants in 2011 isshown in Figure 13.
39
Nuclear plants generated the most energy, over 50% of the State’s total generation. Natural gas-fired plants provide about 38%, and coal-fired plants provide a littleover 8% of the state’s generation. New Jersey’s in-state generation was equivalent to about 75%of the State’s 2010 total energy requirements.
40
Over one-half of that generation was producedfrom carbon-free sources, predominantly nuclear; it includes a very small but growing solar andwind component.
Figure 12. 2010 Existing Capacity in New Jersey by Fuel Type (MW and %)
Natural Gas; 9,756; 56.6%Nuclear; 4,108; 23.8%Coal; 2,036; 11.8%Diesel; 630; 3.7%Hydro; 405; 2.4%Oil; 148; 0.9%Solid Waste; 142; 0.8%Solar; 2; 0.0%
37
Source: 2010 PJM Regional Transmission Expansion Plan, Figure 14.17
38
Based on the peak load as reported at http://www.pjm.com/markets-and-operations/compliance/nerc-standards/historical-load-data.aspx (See Demand Forecast Section). It is difficult to draw conclusions about NewJersey’s ability to satisfy its in-state demand due to the dynamic power flows into and out of the state.
39
Source: EIA: http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/page/eia906_920.html
40
Based on in-state generation of 65,604.968 GWh and Energy Demand of 84,087.946 GWh as reported athttp://www.pjm.com/markets-and-operations/compliance/nerc-standards/historical-load-data.aspx (See DemandForecast Section)
◾The transportation sector led energy consumption in New Jersey in 2011, where the average commute time has been among the longest in the nation.
◾New Jersey averaged the tenth highest electricity prices in the nation in 2013.
◾New Jersey’s Oyster Creek nuclear reactor, which began operation in 1969, is the oldest operating nuclear power plant in the United States.
◾New Jersey has adopted a Renewable Portfolio Standard requiring that more than 20% of net electricity sales come from renewable energy resources by 2021; specific solar and offshore wind requirements are included in the standard.
◾New Jersey has enacted the nation's first offshore wind renewable energy standard, requiring at least 1,100 megawatts by 2021 in its renewable energy portfolio.
◾Average site energy consumption (127 million Btu per year) in New Jersey homes and average household energy expenditures ($3,065 per year) are among the highest in the country, according to EIA's Residential Energy Consumption Survey.
New Jersey, U.S. Rankings
0 New Jersey 15.56 cents per kwh march 2015 `10th
1 Hawaii 31.20
2 Massachusetts 22.12
Natural Gas Residential Prices, March 2015 7.53
($/thousand cu ft) 46th
49 Texas 7.48
50 Illinois 7.44
Consumption
Total Energy Consumed per Capita, 2012
(million Btu)
36 New Jersey 256
1 Wyoming 949
2 Alaska 873
3 Louisiana 849
Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2012
(million metric tons)
17 New Jersey 99.0
61% from petroleum 34% from natural gas
Rankings: Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2012
(million metric tons)
Rank
State
Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions
(million metric tons)
1 Texas 656.0
2 California 345.0
3 Pennsylvania 233.0
Total Energy per Capita 37
Expenditures
Total Energy per Capita 24
Production
Total Energy 34
Crude Oil --
Natural Gas --
Coal --
Electricity 22
Prices
Natural Gas 47
Electricity 10
Environment
Carbon Dioxide Emissions 17