Offshore wind advocates tell BPU it can boost reliability and lower costs

Paulina O’Connor, executive director of the New Jersey Offshore Wind Alliance, told the Board of Public Utilities that offshore wind can provide high-capacity, stable-priced power and help New Jersey meet demand while stabilizing prices. “Offshore wind allows for that opportunity,” O’Connor said, adding that offshore projects are forecastable and perform well in winter months when the grid is strained.

O’Connor said offshore wind can work alongside solar, batteries, natural gas and nuclear resources and urged the BPU to collaborate with the industry as it implements state energy goals. She offered the alliance as a resource for technical questions and stakeholder engagement.

Context and next steps

The comment came during the board’s quarterly public meeting; no formal board action on offshore wind was taken at this session. O’Connor encouraged board staff and commissioners to engage with industry stakeholders as the state advances its energy master plan and implementation of executive orders referenced in public comments.