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The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has partnered with Rutgers Business School-Camden to launch a new Utility Rates Certificate Program aimed at building the next generation of utility ratemaking professionals.

The initiative will combine specialized coursework with paid fellowships, giving students hands-on experience in areas such as rate design, revenue requirements and regulatory policy. The partners approved the launch through a three-year Memorandum of Understanding.

The program is designed to create a direct talent pipeline into regulatory agencies, utilities, consulting firms and consumer advocacy organizations. Meanwhile, it strengthens the state’s ability to evaluate rate proposals and modernize its energy infrastructure.

Key details of the agreement include NJBPU support for both academic instruction as well as experiential learning opportunities. The dual approach ensures students gain practical exposure to the complexities of utility ratemaking.

Working toward New Jersey’s energy future

The effort comes at a critical time. A significant portion of the utility workforce is nearing retirement. At the same time, the industry faces increasing complexity tied to grid modernization and clean energy goals.

NJBPU says the program also aligns with Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s broader energy agenda, which seeks to balance affordability with long-term system upgrades.

“This partnership is another milestone for New Jersey’s energy future,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “Protecting customers and modernizing our grid requires deep expertise in ratemaking – and this program will ensure we have the talent to meet that challenge for decades to come.”

The program was developed in response to rapidly evolving workforce needs. More than a quarter of utility employees nationwide are already over age 55. And nearly half expect to be eligible for retirement within the next decade.

As demand grows for sophisticated rate analysis across regulatory and industry roles, NJBPU and Rutgers designed the initiative to both preserve institutional knowledge as well as expand the pipeline of trained professionals.

NJBPU Deputy Executive Director Stacy Peterson played a central role in shaping the program.

Peterson led the development of both the certificate curriculum and fellowship structure. A more than 20-year veteran of NJBPU, Peterson has deep expertise in cost-of-service analysis, rate design and energy policy. She has represented the Board in federal, legislative and interagency policy discussions.

Peterson said, “This program introduces foundational utility-ratemaking concepts at a pivotal stage in students’ education, while building a strong pipeline of future experts in the field.”