NJ board of public utilities creates grant program to support electric vehicles

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announced the rollout of a new grant program on Wednesday to help employers offset the costs of installing electric vehicle charging stations at workplaces to create a greener state.

The grant program is part of the board’s larger “It Pays to Plug In” program that encourages New Jersey residents to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using electric vehicles. The first phase of the program will offer $725,000 in grant funding to employers that install electric vehicle charging stations to offset installation costs.

The “Drive Green New Jersey” program encourages employees to drive electric vehicles and supports an education-focused website that has research tools for consumers to determine which kind of vehicle is best for them and the environment.

“Today’s announced joint effort to incentivize workplace electric vehicle charging stations is yet another step in the implementation of Governor Christie’s State Energy Master Plan and recognizes its stated goal of encouraging greater use of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles by improving and expanding the infrastructure needed to support the use of alternative-fueled vehicles throughout New Jersey,” Board President Richard S. Mroz said.

The initiative is a joint effort between the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and the Department of Environmental Protection.