The New Jersey Water Environment Association (NJWEA) is a non profit educational organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the water environment.

With a membership of 2800 engineers, operators, scientists , students and other professionals, the NJWEA is an environmental leader in New Jersey.

Laurie Wiegand-Jackson, President of Utility Advantage was invited to make a presentation at the NJWEA Annual Conference in Atlantic City, NJ. She addressed the root causes for the rising costs of electricity in New Jersey and the impending rate increases which are to go into effect on June 1st.  She discussed ways to manage energy costs in this period of increased prices and volatility, including demand management and procurement options.

New Jersey is served by the PJM regional electric grid.  PJM is responsible for managing electric transmission and grid reliability. They also manage the wholesale power markets for energy, capacity and ancillary services that make up a portion of the retail electric rates.  Recently, FERC approved a filing by PJM that will result in increased costs for electric capacity and associated demand charges for the next three years.