Board of Public Utilities approves utility settlements, opens agrivoltaics pilot and directs tariff filings

Trenton — The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities on Tuesday adopted a series of settlements, provisional rates and program actions that will advance utility infrastructure upgrades, adjust certain customer charges and open a new dual‑use (“agrivoltaics”) solar pilot.

Board staff told commissioners the items included a two‑part action on Rescom Energy LLC (doing business as NextVolt/NextVault): staff recommended adopting a stipulation resolving an alleged failure to timely renew a third‑party supplier license and conditioned approval of Rescom's initial supplier license on timely receipt of a $15,000 settlement payment. "Staff recommends the board accept the stipulation subject to the conditions set forth in the board order," said Alice, board staff, summarizing the agreement. The board approved both motions by roll call.

The board also approved a $1.05 billion gas‑system modernization stipulation for Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) to replace a minimum of 525 miles of cast‑iron and unprotected steel mains from January 2026 through December 2028 and to pursue additional investment and periodic rate recovery mechanisms. Staff estimated the program could add about $4.32 per month to the average residential bill by the end of the program (about a 4.2% monthly increase). "This is really to enhance and to upgrade…