BPU backs Jersey City schools energy-efficiency plan, awards SWE RFQ and extends geothermal MOU
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Summary
The board approved a $2,000,717.06 incentive for Jersey City Public Schools to install energy-efficiency upgrades, authorized a statewide evaluator procurement for EM&V, and approved a no-cost extension of an MOU on geothermal systems with DEP and NJCAT.
The Board of Public Utilities on Feb. 18 approved multiple energy-related items: an incentive for Jersey City Public Schools, an award of a statewide evaluator procurement for evaluation, measurement and verification (EM&V), and a no-cost extension of a memorandum of understanding on geothermal heating and cooling systems.
Jersey City Public Schools requested a $2,000,717.06 incentive for upgrades at 22 schools and a central office on a proposed project cost of $18,465,604.47. Staff said the project would conserve about 7,508 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, reduce roughly 326 kilotherms of natural gas and cut peak demand by about 171 kilowatts. Staff estimated annual savings of about $1.2 million in energy costs and $5.7 million in operations and maintenance, and calculated a payback period of about 2.67 years without the incentive and 2.28 years with the incentive. Commissioners commended the project; the board approved the incentive on staff recommendation.
On program evaluation, staff described the Triennium 1 EE framework and the need for a consistent EM&V approach. Two proposals were received and staff recommended awarding the statewide evaluator (SWE) RFQ; the board approved the award after executive-session consideration.
Staff also asked the board to approve a second no-cost extension of an MOU between the BPU, the Department of Environmental Protection and subcontractor NJCAT regarding geothermal heating and cooling systems. The original MOU (approved Sept. 2023) had an 18-month term and was previously extended to 28 months ending Jan. 25, 2026. Staff recommended, and the board approved, another no-cost extension and authorized the board president to execute adjustments to the MOU.
What happens next: The school district will move forward with project procurement and implementation under program terms; staff will finalize SWE procurement and the geothermal MOU will be extended consistent with the board's authorization.