Hoboken Announces Move to Renewable Resources for Municipal Operations

To think, it all began with trashcans…

Hoboken announced Thursday that it will upgrade to 100% renewable resources for its municipal operations, making it, “one of the first municipalities in New Jersey to adopt 100% renewable electricity.”

Says Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, “Hoboken is committed to improving our global environment through our transition to 100% renewable electricity.” Starting in April, the City will begin purchasing 100% clean, non-polluting renewable electricity for municipal facilities.

“Utilizing wind and solar sources will substantially reduce our dependence on fossil fuels that contribute to greenhouse gases and global warming,” says Bhalla. “This is a major milestone that puts Hoboken at the forefront of New Jersey in combating climate change and upholding the ideals of the Paris Agreement.”

Of course Hoboken has a vested interest in combating climate change, with 79% of the city falling within the FEMA flood zone. The town was devastated in 2012’s Superstorm Sandy, while routine heavy rainfall still creates serious flooding in various locations throughout Hoboken.

This move comes on the heels of Hoboken’s adoption of a single-use plastic bag ban, further underscoring the City’s apparent commitment to responsible environmental policy in the face of climate change.

As for shopping local, 28% of Hoboken’s clean, renewable electricity for municipal operations will be generated within New Jersey by wind and solar energy, while 72% will be supplied by wind energy generated out of State.

Today, Mayor Bhalla announced Hoboken will begin purchasing 100% clean, renewable electricity for municipal buildings. Wind and solar renewable sources will be utilized as opposed to fossil fuels, will help combat climate change, & reduce costs 9% https://t.co/6lreubyD9R pic.twitter.com/GNvPeviz5V

— City of Hoboken (@CityofHoboken) February 21, 2019

With cost always a concern, the renewable electricity will reportedly yield a savings to the City of Hoboken, with a projected 9% decrease in cost over two years.

The electricity for municipal operations will now be purchased through a third-party supplier, Aggressive Energy LLC, and was formalized with the Council passing a resolution sponsored by Councilwoman Emily Jabbour.

The City will pay less than 11 cents per kWh, which, according to the City, is approximately 1 cent per kWh less than the price to compare from PSE&G with renewable sources. Previously, Hoboken purchased electricity from PSE&G for municipal operations, with 18% of the electricity generated from renewable sources.

As for our beloved solar garbage cans, they’ve been plugging along since 2013.

Take that, Brooklyn…

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