In a filing with the
"PSE&G's proposals are in direct response to Gov.
"The Governor has challenged utilities to do their part to make investments that will create jobs and help the state achieve its aggressive energy goals," he added. "PSE&G is already spending
In these difficult financial times, accelerating capital investments will help improve the state's economy by stimulating the purchase of goods and services and creating new jobs. LaRossa said that the utility will make every attempt to use local suppliers and contractors for these programs, in addition to its own skilled workforce.
Capital Infrastructure Investment Program
Under the
Among the proposed electric infrastructure investments are the replacement of aged underground cable facilities, network transformers and relays, and the upgrading of overhead wire, cable and transformers.
Gas infrastructure investments include replacing and reinforcing aging gas cast iron and bare steel mains and services, purchasing specialized construction equipment, and upgrading meter and regulator stations.
An additional project would replace less efficient mercury vapor municipal street lighting with more efficient induction fluorescent lighting and install efficiency improvements at PSE&G's facilities. These investments will provide employment opportunities for NJ contractors, equipment suppliers, retail establishments and material suppliers and will also lower costs for municipalities.
About 985 skilled jobs, including an estimated 720 contractor positions, would be created in
Economic Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program
PSE&G proposes to spend an additional
Today's Economic Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program filing was made under New Jersey's Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) legislation, which encourages utilities to invest in conservation and energy efficiency programs as part of its regulated business.
The new expanded energy efficiency initiative offers programs for various targeted customer segments. Sub-programs for residential homes and small businesses in Urban Enterprise Zone municipalities, multi-family buildings, hospitals, data centers and governmental entities provides audits at no cost to identify energy efficiency measures. Customers could be eligible for incentives toward the installation of the energy efficiency measures.
Other components of the stimulus include a program that provides funding for new technologies and demonstration projects, and a program to encourage non-residential customers to reduce energy use through improvements in the operation and maintenance of facilities.
Implementation of the efficiency program will result in the creation of about 700 new jobs. In addition, the program will lower consumers' energy bills, address global warming, and assist the state in achieving its aggressive energy reduction goals.
PSE&G has requested that the BPU approve both the infrastructure and energy efficiency filings by
Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is
SOURCE Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G)