Over the past few months, the New Jersey Energy Coalition has hosted a series of virtual events in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic and in order to maintain an open dialogue with our members and key decision makers. Our members have participated in events with U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, NJ Board of Public Utilities President Joe Fiordaliso, Commissioners Bob Gordon and Upendra Chviukula, and former Chief of Staff Grace Strom Power, NJ Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, and a panel discussion about PJM moderated by Rebecca Freed (Genova Burns) with Asim Haque (PJM) and Cynthia Holland (BPU). The series of virtual events gives our members an opportunity to discuss current and relevant issues amid the current health crisis with key leaders throughout New Jersey.

U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone

On Friday, May 1^st, U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, Representative from New Jersey’s 6^th Congressional District and Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, joined us for the first installment of our Virtual Series along with his staff. Congressman Pallone discussed a second stimulus bill, healthcare and the need for an increase in COVID-19 testing, pushing for a green initiative in the COVID-19 bills, and that the biggest priority is to receive state aid.

NJ Board of Public Utilities Joe Fiordaliso

On Tuesday, May 12^th, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joe Fiordaliso joined us for the second installment of our Virtual Series. President Fiordaliso discussed the progress of an Energy Efficiency Program, a new program aimed at promoting electric vehicles and electrifying NJ Transit, continuing offshore wind projects along with other regional states, rebuilding infrastructure as a way to stimulate the economy after COVID-19, and ensuring continued cybersecurity by working in conjunction with energy companies, state police, and the FBI.

NJ Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald

On Tuesday, May 27^th, New Jersey Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald joined us for the third installment of our Virtual Series. Assemblyman Greenwald discussed the need for a comprehensive data driven plan driven by benchmarks to determine when/how businesses and universities are able to reopen, the need for a reliable and diverse energy portfolio to ensure energy remains affordable for consumers, potential testing requirements and safety precautions that businesses and universities could take when reopening, and refocusing the Energy Master Plan to stabilize and grow the state economy after COVID-19.

NJ Board of Public Utilities Commissioner Bob Gordon

On Thursday, June 11^th, NJBPU Commissioner Bob Gordon joined us for the fourth installment of our Virtual Series. Commissioner Gordon discussed the economic impact from COVID-19 and reports on initiatives to advance the Clean Energy Plan such as offshore wind, electrification of transportation, and energy efficiency initiatives.

NJ Board of Public Utilities Chief of Staff Grace Strom Power

On Wednesday, June 24th, NJBPU Chief of Staff Grace Strom Power joined us for the fifth installment of our Virtual Series. Chief of Staff Power discussed the impact of COVID-19 on the BPU and initiatives such as energy efficiency, utility-scale solar, offshore wind, and cybersecurity.

NJ Board of Public Utilities Commissioner Upendra Chivukula

On Wednesday, July 15th, NJBPU Commissioner Upendra Chivukula joined us for our Summer Virtual Series. Commissioner Chivukula discussed the newly released offshore wind strategic plan, progress of the New Jersey Energy Master Plan, and Cybersecurity.

PJM 101

On Monday, August 10th, representatives from the NJBPU and PJM Interconnection joined us for the seventh installment of our Virtual Series. NJBPU President Joe Fiordaliso gave opening remarks, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Rebecca Freed (Partner – Genova Burns) with Asim Haque (VP of State and Member Services at PJM) and Cynthia Holland (Director of Federal and Regional Policy – NJBPU) to introduce PJM and its role in energy in New Jersey, with topics including MOPR and advanced infrastructure to deal with severe storms.

Throughout the rest of the year, we will continue to host virtual events to have open discussions on issues that are important to our members with leaders in local, state and national offices and bring a fresh outlook on the energy and utility industries.