New Jersey Board of Public Utilities

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is a group that helps make sure people in New Jersey get important services like natural gas, electricity, water, phone service, and cable TV. Its job is to watch over the companies that provide these services and make sure they are safe, fair, and not too expensive for customers.

The NJBPU has five members who work on many important tasks. They protect people’s rights as customers, help change energy rules to save money and power, and make sure utility prices are fair. They also listen when people have problems with their utility services.

The Board also runs special programs to help New Jersey use more solar power and build wind farms off the coast. These efforts help the state use cleaner energy and protect the environment.

History

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, known as NJBPU, started in 1910 as the Board of Public Utility Commissioners. It was responsible for overseeing services like gas, electricity, water, and communications, as well as railroads and trade between states. Over the years, the organization changed names and structures. In 1977, it became part of the Department of Energy, which was later dissolved in 1988. By 1991, its duties were moved to the Department of Environmental Protection and Energy, and in 1994, it returned to its original name and place within the New Jersey Department of the Treasury.

Members of the Board, called commissioners, are chosen to serve six-year terms. They are balanced between political parties, with no more than three from the same group. The governor picks one commissioner to lead the Board and join the governor's team. Today, Christine Guhl-Sadovy leads the Board, with other members including Zenon Christodoulou, Marian Abdou, and Michael Bange. The Board has had many leaders over the years, each contributing to its work in keeping important services safe and fair for everyone.

Department of Environmental Protection and Energy New Jersey Department of the Treasury Barbara A. Curran Upendra J. Chivukula Richard Mroz Nicholas Asselta Jeanne Fox Lee Solomon Robert M. Gordon