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Committee hears diverse views on reconductoring bill; discussion-only hearing ends with follow-up pledge
Summary
S-3464 (advanced reconductoring) was the subject of a discussion-only hearing: rate counsel asked for prudency language; utilities urged a holistic planning approach while advocates said reconductoring can deliver capacity quickly and less expensively than new lines; committee requested utility follow-up on needs and timelines.
The Senate Energy and Environment Committee held a discussion-only hearing Feb. 10 on S-3464, a bill that would require advanced conductors (reconductoring) where state projects receive funding and potentially permit use of societal benefits‑charge funds.
The division rate counsel filed written comments urging addition of a prudency standard to avoid “gold‑plating” and to remove references to transmission where federal cost allocation applies. Utilities, including Jersey Central Power & Light, said a prescriptive mandate focused solely on conductors could lead to overdesign or missed opportunities for other grid modernization strategies and urged integrated distribution planning (IDP) with the Board of Public Utilities.
Supporters, including Environment New Jersey, highlighted examples where reconductoring delivered capacity faster and at lower cost than building new lines. Committee members pressed utilities for an actionable plan and a timetable; utility representatives agreed to provide follow-up information to staff and senators, and the chair closed the discussion and adjourned the meeting.
