Commercial Customers

What is the Office of the NJBPU Business Ombudsman?

The Office of the NJBPU Business Ombudsman is a legislatively-mandated office within the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. The Ombudsman's mission is to assist the state's commercial and industrial energy users in managing their energy costs through a strategic approach to efficiency, renewable technologies, and supply purchasing.

The Office also serves as a member of the Governor's economic growth team, using energy programs as incentives to encourage business development, expansion and relocation to New Jersey.

The main functions of the office are to:

• Assist businesses with obtaining information concerning energy costs in response to requests from businesses;
• Monitor the impact of State energy costs on business projects and activities and on business decisions to relocate to this State, and identify and recommend energy cost reduction strategies including State programs, subsidies and grants that may be available for businesses to reduce their energy costs;
• Participate in the application process for State energy programs, subsidies and grants on behalf of a business, if in the NJBPU Business Ombudsman's judgment, such participation may be necessary to assist a business in order for a project or activity to proceed;
• Work with Board staff to assist in creating public information programs designed to acquaint and educate businesses and the public about the duties and responsibilities of the office; and
• Interface with energy marketers seeking to provide service in this State and, where appropriate, work to bring them together with businesses concerned about energy costs.
• The Ombudsman shall make an annual report to the Board of the office's operations, and render such other reports as the Board shall from time to time request or as may be required by law.

Outreach

The NJBPU Business Ombudsman Office is available for speaking engagements, events, and to talk with businesses about reducing energy consumption and available incentives. Please feel free to contact us for assistance - or with any questions or comments on the Board's energy programs or policies.

The best way to contact the NJBPU Business Ombudsman is by emailing ombudsman@bpu.nj.gov.

Arif Welcher, Government/Business Manager

Office: 609-292-0093