Time For NJ To Exit The PJM Regional Grid And Create An Independent Public Power Authority
Study Documents Extensive Backlog And Long Delays In Connecting Renewable Energy Sources To The Grid
Climate Emergency, High Costs, And Dysfunctional PJM Control Of Grid Demand PJM-EXIT
NJ Spotlight today reports on an important energy industry study of the PJM regional grid – the findings include outrageous backlogs in connecting renewable energy sources to the PJM grid, including years of delay, read the whole thing:
Spotlight didn’t provide a link, and a Google couldn’t find it, so it may not be posted yet but I did find this summary:
Currently, the interconnection process in many regions is broken and complex, leading to lengthy wait times which causes renewable energy developers to withdraw projects. The country is split into many interconnection regions. The electric grid across the mid-Atlantic and rust belt regions is run by an independent entity called PJM. In the PJM region alone, there are currently 2,700 projects stuck in the interconnection process. 95% of these projects are clean wind, solar, and storage projects that are essential to meet states’ clean energy laws.
And here is a link to a similar 2022 Report.
This is intolerable, given the climate emergency.
It is impossible for NJ to meet its climate, energy, environmental justice, clean air and economic goals under PJM grid control
NJ must control its own destiny – the case for a PJM-EXIT is compelling.
I fired off this letter to Legislators and climate and environmental leaders – I urge readers to make similar demands:
Dear Chairman Smith:
Today’s reporting by NJ Spotlight on a study of PJM performance, particularly with respect to grid connection for renewable energy sources, by Advanced Energy United is deeply troubling, see:
The AEU Report provides a strong and credible technical basis for NJ legislators to revive the proposal to leave PJM and establish an independent NJ grid.
An independent NJ grid would enable NJ to control and realize its energy policy, particularly with respect to carbon, climate, air quality, environmental justice, and aggressive renewable energy goals and to do so much more efficiently, more expeditiously, and at much lower costs than under PJM control.
Such NJ climate and energy goals and policies can not be realized under the current PJM controlled grid.
PJM is a private corporate entity with its own agenda, its own objectives and its own expertise. PJM decision-making is not transparent and it does not allow for effective public participation. PJM is not accountable to NJ residents or policymakers (i.e. the NJ legislature, NJ BPU, or NJ DEP). The PJM’s objectives often conflict with and undermine NJ’s climate and energy policies.
At the same time, it would reduce costs to NJ consumers, particularly given numerous excessive PJM related charges such as “capacity payments” and cost allocations of regional transmission infrastructure.
NJ can no longer tolerate the delays and high costs of the PJM grid, particularly given the climate emergency.
I strongly urge you to hold legislative hearings on crafting legislation to terminate NJ’s participation in PJM and establish its own public independent energy agency.
Sincerely,
Bill Wolfe