New Jersey’s Power Grid at Risk as Electric Vehicle Surge Looms
Concerns have been raised about the vulnerability of New Jersey’s power grid as the state moves towards a ban on gas-fueled vehicles and embraces electric vehicles (EVs) as the future of transportation. The Rural and Agriculture Council of America has warned that the power grid in New Jersey is ill-equipped to handle the surge in EV charging that will occur if the proposed gas car ban is enacted.
Mary Jo Foley, a representative from the council, expressed her opposition to the state’s Advance Clean Cars II (ACCII) initiative during a recent public hearing. The ACCII aims to phase out gas and diesel engines by 2035, but Foley argues that this would disproportionately burden rural and agricultural communities in the state.
Foley highlighted the scarcity of EV charging stations in rural areas, making internal combustion engine vehicles a necessity for residents living outside urban regions. With over 833,400 residents living in rural areas and relying on industries such as agriculture, she emphasized that the gas car ban would have a significant impact on the state’s largest economic sector.
The existing power grid’s vulnerability also raises concerns for Foley. She cited recent outages in rural towns caused by factors like heavy winds, snowstorms, and electrical overuse in urban areas. According to her, implementing ACCII would worsen these issues, as the power grid is not prepared to handle the increased demand from thousands of additional EVs.
Additionally, Foley pointed out that the proposal would lead to higher electricity rates for consumers, who already face some of the highest energy costs in the country. Recent rate hikes in the state could result in electricity bills increasing by up to seven percent, depending on the provider.
From an economic standpoint, Foley noted the higher cost of electric vehicles compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles. Citing the Kelly Blue Book, she stated that the average price of a new electric vehicle is $55,000, while a traditional sedan costs around $35,000. Moreover, the American Automobile Association estimates that EV owners spend at least $600 more annually on maintenance compared to their combustion engine counterparts.
While the Rural and Agriculture Council of America remains opposed to the ACCII proposal, Foley expressed a willingness to explore alternative methods for achieving the state’s emission reduction goals without negatively impacting rural residents and the economy.
It remains to be seen how New Jersey will address these concerns and strike a balance between promoting EV adoption and ensuring the stability of its power grid. As the state pushes for a greener future, finding a solution that addresses the needs of rural communities without compromising the reliability of the electricity network will be crucial.
