Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco has introduced new legislation aimed at addressing New Jersey’s rising energy costs by requiring more accurate and transparent forecasting of the state’s electricity needs. The proposal, known as the “Load Forecast Accountability Act,” seeks to give policymakers clearer data to guide future energy generation and infrastructure decisions.
Bucco said the state cannot afford to make long-term energy policy without reliable information on how much electricity New Jersey residents and businesses will need in the years ahead.
“New Jersey families are already being squeezed by rising energy costs, and we can’t afford to make costly decisions blindly,” Bucco said. “This legislation will give us the transparent, reliable data needed to understand our energy use and invest in projects that truly serve New Jerseyans.”
Load forecasting — the process of estimating future electricity demand — is used by utilities, regulators, and grid operators to determine how much power must be generated and distributed at any given time. Accurate forecasts help prevent overspending on unnecessary infrastructure, avoid shortages caused by underestimating demand, and ensure the grid remains reliable during periods of high use.
Bucco argues that gaps or inaccuracies in the state’s current forecasting process have led to unrealistic planning and higher energy bills for ratepayers. The bill aims to close those gaps by enhancing coordination among state and regional energy authorities and requiring more frequent reporting.
Under the proposed legislation, the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) would be required to collect load-forecasting data from electric utilities, analyze its implications for statewide energy planning, and incorporate it into policy decisions. The BPU would also be directed to work with PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator serving New Jersey and much of the Mid-Atlantic, to ensure state data is included in PJM’s regional planning in a fair and non-duplicative manner.
Additionally, the bill requires coordination with PJM and other regulators to account for major new energy loads and customer contracts, such as large commercial facilities or data centers, which can significantly alter regional demand projections.
The BPU would be responsible for issuing annual reports to the Governor and Legislature summarizing the data collected, analyzing the implications for the state’s energy needs, and detailing its coordination with PJM and other authorities.
Bucco said the legislation is intended to support more reliable power generation, protect ratepayers from unnecessary costs, and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term energy strategy.
“If we want lower costs and better reliability, load forecasting must be central to our energy planning,” he said.
The bill awaits further action in the Legislature.