Making State Buildings More Energy Efficient Via BPU Training Program

On Sep 27, 2022

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has launched its Energy Manager Training Program for state employees. Every state agency is required to have an Energy Manager to manage its energy use and costs.

In addition, the Energy Manager is responsible for developing an energy plan for the agency in conjunction with the BPU Division of State Energy Services. To assist agencies and give the necessary tools to managers, BPU has designed the Energy Manager Training to be both hands on and practical. There are 12 state entities participating in the training.

“Thank you to the participating state agencies and to state employees who serve as State Energy Managers,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “The role of State Energy Managers is a critical piece of New Jersey’s clean energy future. Collectively, our state agencies are one of the largest energy users in New Jersey. By participating in this program, they contribute to our ability to “Lead by Example” and reduce the effects of climate change by increasing efficiency and reducing demand.”

The Murphy administration has made a commitment through the Clean Energy Act, the Energy Master Plan and other major clean energy initiatives that are making New Jersey a national clean energy leader with major advances and investments in offshore wind, electric vehicles, energy efficiency and solar development.

State agencies have invested in energy upgrades through Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP) projects, lighting upgrades, building controls and efficient HVAC equipment. This training is not only giving state employees additional skills, but it is also developing a peer-to- peer network to exchange best practices and leverage technical skills.

For the next 8 months, staff from the New Jersey Institute of Technology will lead classes for the State Energy Managers who will meet monthly to learn the technical side of energy management. The training includes practical, hands-on tasks that will help to inform state agencies of their energy use, ways to manage energy costs and consumption, and create a plan to upgrade a state facility.

President Fiordaliso said, “State employees are part of the solution of solving today’s energy challenges and creating new paths of saving energy going forward.”

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