Former Employees Accuse PSE&G of Misappropriating Solar Funds

Three former employees of Public Service Electric & Gas are suing PSE&G claiming they were fired for reporting fraud the company committed against ratepayers.

The employees claim that PSE&G wrongfully used 'State Solar Money' for a billboard, funneled efficiency money to cover a mistaken $325,000 payment to UMDNJ and ignored unbilled use of electricity by Newark’s red light cameras, forcing other customers to pay instead.

"The company is aware of these claims brought by former employees, all of whom were discharged for lawful reasons," said a spokesman for parent company PSEG tonight. "These allegations are entirely without merit. The company is ready to vigorously defend its position."

The attorney for the fired workers, Adam Kleinfeldt, said he had emails to back up the lawsuit.

"PSE&G tried to quash opposition and objection to fraudulent practices because of the money it was making off those practices," said Kleinfeldt. "I think my clients were fired for putting it in writing. They were speed bumps." Read More

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Governor Christie releases the final version of N.J.'s Energy Master Plan

Governor Chris Christie released the state’s final 2011 Energy Master Plan, which is described as strategically balancing the development of new sources of clean energy, including natural gas, with renewables. The plan, which is the governor’s vision for the use, management, and development of energy in the state, builds upon what he sees as his efforts to make New Jersey the largest and fastest-growing solar energy market in the United States. 

Additionally, the administration proposes to address the current drop in the market price of solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) with a plan designed to encourage growth of the solar industry and create the necessary certainty that will allow financial community to invest in energy development.


The Governor’s office has focused on the following:

• Accelerate the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and reduce the Solar Alternative Compliance Payment (SACP) 
• Returning to the percentage obligation for solar 
• Promoting Solar Installations that Provide Economic and Environmental Benefit by Limiting SREC Eligibility 
• Expanding Opportunities for Solar 
• Drive down the cost of energy for all customers 
• Promote a diverse portfolio of new, clean, in-state generation 
• Reward energy efficiency and energy conservation and reduce peak demand 
• Capitalize on emerging technologies for transportation and power production 
• Maintain support for the renewable energy portfolio standard of 22.5 percent of energy from renewable sources by 2021

Click here for a copy of the final 'Energy Master Plan'

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New Jersey Solar Rebate Program Crashes

Last week, New Jersey ran out of four months' worth of Solar Rebates in a day. Less money was available than originally budgeted for in December because Gov. Chris Christie was forced to take $158 million from the Clean Energy Fund to help close an unprecedented $11 billion state budget gap created by this current Legislature and past Adminstrations.

More than 1,000 people, including contractors camped out the night before to claim a portion of the $6 million in residential and $1.5 million in non-residential one-time rebates when the Office of Clean Energy opened on May 3.

The Board of Public Utilities closed the normally four-month distribution period until the next scheduled disbursement Sept. 1

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