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Freehold council hears BPU presentation on community solar as a way to cut utility bills
Summary
A Board of Public Utilities ombudsman briefed Freehold council on the state community solar program — consolidated billing, required low‑ and moderate‑income set‑asides, typical 20%+ savings for subscribers, and municipal options for outreach or opt‑out enrollment. Council emphasized the meeting was informational, not an endorsement.
The Borough of Freehold on July 13 hosted a workshop presentation from the Board of Public Utilities on New Jersey’s community solar program and how municipalities can help residents sign up.
Joe Grillo, who identified himself as a business ombudsman at the BPU, told council the program enables customers who cannot or do not want to install rooftop panels to subscribe to panels built elsewhere and receive a credit on their single utility bill. "It's about as easy as signing up for, like, a net Netflix subscription," Grillo said, describing the consolidated billing system that shows community solar credits on JCP&L statements.
Grillo outlined key program features: community solar subscriptions typically deliver 20–30% savings; projects must set aside roughly 50–51% of capacity for low‑ and moderate‑income (LMI) subscribers; and recent legislation removed many upfront costs for subscribers. He also described a project‑finder tool residents can use to compare projects' estimated savings, eligibility and contract terms.
Council members asked about timing between subscription and the first credit, the effect of broader municipal participation on savings, and eligibility thresholds. Grillo said approvals and onboarding can take a few months after sign‑up and that there are advantages when a municipality enrolls its own facilities to demonstrate municipal savings to residents.
Councilwoman Rogers and other members emphasized the presentation was informational only and not an endorsement. Rogers said HRAC (Human Relations Advisory Committee) and council wanted residents informed about potential ways to reduce household utility costs.
Next steps: council members suggested additional outreach and education sessions and offered to coordinate with BPU staff on follow‑up materials and a possible panel discussion for residents.
