Offshore Wind Task Force to Devise Plans for Implementation

In compliance with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's Executive Order (EO) No. 8, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has taken steps to implement the directives contained in the EO, which are aimed at moving forward with the state's previously promulgated Offshore Wind Economic Development Act (OWEDA).

The board noted that the goal of the OWEDA is to facilitate solicitation and development of 1,100 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind energy capacity. As part of the implementation process, the board charged its staff with establishing an interagency Offshore Wind Task Force in conjunction with the state's Department of Environmental Protection and other applicable state agencies. That working group is to devise a strategic plan for implementing the EO.

The board also instructed its staff to initiate a rulemaking docket through which to determine an appropriate funding mechanism for associated Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificates. Board staff likewise was assigned responsibility for preparing for solicitation of the initial 1,100- MW threshold of offshore wind capacity. As envisioned by the board, that process will entail board staff engaging with offshore wind developers and stakeholders in defining minimum requirements for the solicitation. (Docket No. QO18020151)