FREEHOLD – New Jersey Utilities Association (NJUA) President & CEO Rich Henning sat down with Steve Adubato, host of State of Affairs, to discuss the role of NJUA in the complicated landscape of New Jersey utilities as well as future challenges related to affordability and electric supply.
Henning highlighted how the NJUA gives its membership of 13 investor-owned utilities a “unified voice” in Trenton and ensures their interests are well represented in discussions regarding legislation. He also emphasized the role NJUA plays when it comes to updating utility companies about the latest proposed state laws and regulations, as well as how it could all affect customers.
Henning discussed the rising demand for electricity in New Jersey because of such catalysts as electric vehicles, AI, high-tech household appliances and computers, as well as the impact increasing temperatures have on energy bills. There is also the issue of supply vs. demand, as the regional power grid is experiencing record usage.
“Last summer, we saw record temperatures,” Henning said. “We also saw the highest humidity levels recorded this century. There is no doubt that the higher energy usage we saw last summer was due to weather. And we expect the same issues again this summer.”
When asked about the relationship between utilities and the grid, Henning explained how utilities buy electricity from grid operator PJM, a cost which is passed directly to the customer without any profit for the utilities. Electric utilities are responsible to deliver power, not negotiate its pricing, Henning noted.
The interview concluded with Adubato emphasizing the importance of utilities and energy distribution. “To say this is complicated is an understatement,” he said. “But to say it’s important is also an understatement.”
Watch the full interview here.
