The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has approved the framework of a proposal to reduce emissions from natural gas utilities, but customers would not be required to switch fuels.

New Jersey

The proposal includes options for customers to convert to electric stoves, but the switch would remain voluntary.

“Let’s be clear, we are not requiring, we are not mandating anyone to give up their gas stove,” BPU President Joseph Fiordaliso said at the recent board meeting.

The proposal is included in the BPU’s building decarbonization programs, which are focused on maximizing energy efficiency while simultaneously reducing emissions.

Financial incentives would be available for residential and multi-family customers if they were to switch to electric. Property owners would be...