Commission Watch

“We don’t look at utilities as our adversaries. We look at them as partners because we have the physical threats of all the natural disasters, and we also have cyber threats.”

“We’re seeing economic development evolve from the renewable energy field. Over 7,000 people have jobs in the solar industry in New Jersey.”

“Our goal is to get them in compliance. We’re not there to shut down any business.”

“I review applications from such utilities as Hawaiian Electric, reviewing its application for major projects, which includes electric diagrams.”

“If it takes us months to issue them a certificate, they’re unable to legally operate and earn income all that time.”

“We don’t testify, generally. Our Staff is advisory, so we’re an extension of the Commissioners. Our job is to investigate the issues before the Commission and advise them.”

“The state Supreme Court has looked at some novel issues raised by some of the parties related to environmental considerations like greenhouse gases.”

“Our journey of PBR was solidified by legislation that did mandate that we investigate a way to break the link between capital investment and revenue for the utility.”

“The focus for us right now is cost containment of the companies. Are the costs justifiable to us that eventually the ratepayer needs to pay in base rates?”

“Early in my term, I was at a backyard barbecue with a friend and he pulled out his electricity bill in front of the whole crowd and asked me to explain all the line items.”