March 29, 2026: The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and Rutgers School of Business–Camden (RSBC) have announced a new partnership to launch the state’s first Utility Rates Certificate Program, designed to prepare the next generation of skilled utility‑rate making professionals. Established through a three‑year Memorandum of Understanding, the program combines academic coursework with paid fellowships, giving students hands‑on experience in critical areas such as rate design, revenue requirements, and regulatory policy. NJBPU President Christine Guhl‑Sadovy called the initiative “another milestone for New Jersey’s energy future,” emphasizing the need for deep technical expertise to protect customers and modernize the grid.

This initiative arrives as the utility sector faces a wave of retirements and rising technical demands tied to clean‑energy goals and grid modernization. With more than a quarter of utility employees nationwide over age 55—and nearly half approaching retirement eligibility within the next decade—the new program creates a direct talent pipeline for regulatory agencies, utilities, consulting firms, and consumer advocacy groups. Led by NJBPU Deputy Executive Director Stacy Peterson, a veteran rate‑design expert, the curriculum and fellowship structure are built to preserve institutional knowledge while expanding workforce capacity in this high‑demand field.

Press here to receive more information about the program.