New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has announced that solar projects qualify as essential construction projects and can continue during the state’s Public Health Emergency declared due to COVID-19.
The utility announced that under Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 122 “utility projects, including those necessary for energy and electricity production and transmission and any decommissioning of facilities used for electricity generation” may continue during the Public Health Emergency and State of Emergency declared by the Governor.
The Board has clarified that solar projects fall within these parameters and are necessary for energy and electricity production.
It said that all new and ongoing solar construction, including both commercial and residential projects, can move forward.
“Solar is a critical and growing contributor to energy, notably clean energy, in the state, and energy provision is an essential service,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso.
“To eliminate any confusion, as some projects were continuing during this period and some were not, NJBPU is clarifying that all solar projects can move forward during this time.”