Lt. Governor-elect Dale Caldwell, speaking to a room of the top energy officials in the state, pledged to work with the industry to not only solve the present-day energy cost issues but create a roadmap for a future in which energy not only is more affordable but is a driver of the economy.
“We want to collaborate and work with you to figure out how we can do things in the most innovative, cost-effective way,” he said.
Caldwell, speaking to more than 100 at an event co-sponsored by the N.J. Utilities Association, the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association and the N.J. Energy Coalition, said the key is the ability to listen, repeating an idea that Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill preached throughout the campaign.
“What we need to do is to listen where people are coming from,” he said. “Part of the problem historically, not just in New Jersey but nationally, is that people come in with their own ideas. They say, ‘This is what we need to do with energy.’ We’re listeners.”
Caldwell told the energy executives and thought leaders that Sherrill’s pledge to freeze rates should be viewed as part of a greater strategy on affordability.
The impact of lowering costs — another big campaign theme by Sherrill — will be far-reaching, he said, again noting the importance of collaboration.
“(Sherrill) talked about freezing the increase in utility rates. And some people may look at that and say, ‘That’s a top-down benefit.’ That’s not my view,” he said. “The idea is to collaborate with all of you to figure out: ‘How can we work together?’”
Caldwell, noted the economic strength and density of the state, said he views the current energy issues as an opportunity as much as it is a challenge.
“We can do things that places like California can’t,” he said. “This is an opportunity, in the midst of a crisis, to force us to do some things that we wouldn’t do if we were flush with cash.
“Innovation has to be part of who we are. With some of the advancements in technology, we can think differently. We can analyze more quickly.”
Caldwell challenged the room to think outside of the box.
“That’s the only way we can address this and not only solve the problems, but solve them in a way that’s a model for the rest of the country, if not the world,” he said.
