New Electric Car Charging Program Helps Power the Grid
Official: DEP, BPU Announce Groundbreaking Eco-hub Program To Demonstrate Electric Grid Benefits Of Bi-Directional Charging (Joint News Release)
Reading: The program demonstrates bi-directional EV charging technology to support electric grid benefits, a clean-energy infrastructure innovation that advances grid modernization and emissions reduction.
The state is celebrating this achievement as part of Liberty State Park's 50-year anniversary and a multi-year effort to improve the park.
In clear language
New Jersey is launching a new Eco-hub Program that allows electric vehicle owners to charge their cars in a way that helps balance the electricity grid by sending power back to it when needed. This program demonstrates how two-way charging technology can benefit everyone's energy system. The state is celebrating this achievement as part of Liberty State Park's 50-year anniversary and a multi-year effort to improve the park.
How does this affect you?
Pick the type of resident or organization you most identify with — we'll generate a plain-language breakdown of what changes for you and what you can do about it.
Who does this affect?
- Electric vehicle owners who can participate in the bi-directional charging program
- All electricity customers who may benefit from more stable and efficient power grids
- Residents of Liberty State Park area and visitors to the park
- Businesses and property owners involved in the eco-hub development
What can you do?
- If you own an electric vehicle, learn more about the Eco-hub Program and whether you can participate in bi-directional charging
- Visit Liberty State Park to see the groundbreaking projects and learn about the state's climate initiatives
- Follow the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for updates on program expansion and enrollment opportunities
Timeline
- 2026-01-15 (Program announcement date)
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
Related policies
- Federal RegisterJun 8, 2026EPA proposes to weaken pollution controls on a Wyoming power plant
The EPA is proposing to remove a requirement that a Wyoming coal power plant (Dave Johnston Unit 3) either close or install strict pollution-control equipment to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions that cause regional haze. The power company PacifiCorp asked the EPA to withdraw this requirement, and the EPA is agreeing to reconsider it. This change would allow the plant to operate with less stringent pollution controls than previously required.
- NJ LegislatureJun 4, 2026Electric Companies Must Create Plans to Modernize the Power Grid
This New Jersey bill requires electric utility companies to develop and put into action plans for modernizing the electrical grid. Grid modernization means upgrading the infrastructure that delivers electricity to homes and businesses to make it more efficient and better able to handle new clean energy sources. The bill was recently moved forward in the Assembly committee process.
- NJ LegislatureJun 4, 2026Changes to New Jersey's solar and renewable energy incentive programs
This bill modifies New Jersey's renewable energy incentive programs and requires electric utilities to process solar project interconnection applications more efficiently. The changes aim to streamline how solar projects connect to the power grid and adjust how renewable energy incentives work in the state. The bill is currently moving through the Senate.
- CongressMay 12, 2026Federal Rule on Electric Vehicles and Foreign Supply Chain Security
This federal bill would add electric vehicles and related equipment made by foreign entities considered security risks to a list of non-complying vehicles that may face restrictions or requirements. The goal is to protect U.S. electric vehicle supply chains from foreign control. The bill was introduced in Congress in May 2026 and is under review by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.