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As New Jersey prepares for these growing energy needs, the state must also consider how to build an energy system that can meet demand while remaining affordable, reliable and resilient.
Building a Stronger, More Resilient Energy System
Modern energy policy isn’t about choosing between affordability, reliability and sustainability—it’s about advancing all three.
New Jersey has already taken important steps to support a more resilient energy system through legislation that encourages advanced grid technologies, improves planning for future electricity demand and helps ensure large new energy users contribute fairly to the infrastructure they require.
These types of policies create greater certainty for utilities, businesses and residents while helping keep the electric grid reliable as the state’s energy needs evolve.
But more needs to be done to ensure that the infrastructure built to meet this growing demand is powered by clean energy. Legislation such as S680/A1170 would help establish stronger requirements around the energy supplying large new data centers, ensuring that their enormous electricity needs don’t lead to greater reliance on fossil fuels and more pollution. Although the legislation did not pass, the rapid growth of data centers makes the need for these protections even more urgent.
And because New Jersey is part of the 13-state PJM regional electric grid, state action alone can only go so far. New Jersey should work with other states across the PJM region to advance similar policies that bring more clean, affordable energy onto the grid as electricity demand grows. Coordinated action can help ensure that data center expansion doesn’t come at the expense of residents’ utility bills—or the clean air, water and climate that communities depend on.
Leadership Shapes the Future
Energy infrastructure is built to last for decades. The decisions made today will influence how New Jersey powers its homes, businesses and communities for generations to come.
By continuing to invest in modern infrastructure, encourage innovation and support practical clean energy solutions, New Jersey can strengthen its economy, improve grid reliability and better position itself for future growth.
But leadership also means setting clear expectations for what that growth looks like. New Jersey has an opportunity to ensure that new energy-intensive development is matched by new clean energy—and to work with neighboring states to advance those same protections across the regional grid.
Strong state leadership isn’t simply about responding to today’s energy challenges—it’s about creating the foundation for a healthier, more resilient and more prosperous future.
