CHARGE Mission Statement

 

For too long, the energy sector has been driven mostly by utility companies' agendas.  The individual residential and small energy customers have been underrepresented in public policy discussions, the legislative process and the regulation of the energy sector.  CHARGE was formed in 2018 to be an energy consumer advocate, representing New Jersey's 3+ million electric & gas customers.    More specifically, CHARGE is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and bringing awareness to issues such as service, reliability, health, rates or safety, all within the utilities and energy sectors from the consumers' perspective. 

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For decades, the electrical grid model has been based on remote power generation, transmitted through long distances using high voltage transmission lines and then distributed to end users. This business model relies extensively on power generation using fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas.   This outdated model is further perpetuated by financial incentives available under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 leading to large projects that seem to only benefit utility companies at the expense of consumers and the environment.    In the past 10+ years, advances in technology have made renewable energy much more competitive while being environmentally friendly.  Specifically, the use of renewable distributed energy generation and demand response practices are proving to be viable alternatives to the traditional electric grid model.

 

Under the overarching umbrella as an energy consumer advocate, CHARGE will also support public policies to help promote consumer and environmental friendly planning and siting for renewable energy initiatives.