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State energy pathway · New Jersey

Start with the energy systems shaping New Jersey.

New Jersey has one of the nation's densest electricity grids, which means reliability is critical for millions of people in a small area. The state has committed to 11,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2040 (though four approved projects currently face construction delays), while data center expansion adds significant new power demand. New Jersey's electricity prices rank among the nation's highest at 16.29 cents per kilowatt-hour, and the state's energy sourcing directly shapes what households and businesses pay. That combination puts New Jersey students at the center of two of the most demanding challenges in modern grid design: expanding offshore generation and powering large-scale computing infrastructure.

Energy data is from the EIA State Energy Data System, EIA State Electricity Profiles, NCSL State Energy Legislation Database, and state economic development offices.

See why energy matters hereJump to the matched course

Why Energy Matters in New Jersey

Dense Grid, High Stakes

New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country—nearly 1,300 people per square mile—which means one power line failure affects more households than anywhere else. The state imports roughly one-third of its electricity from neighboring states because limited land prevents enough generation capacity within state boundaries. Students who understand how that dependency shapes grid operations learn why New Jersey engineers focus on reliability and transmission as core infrastructure work.

AI and Offshore at Once

New Jersey's grid currently relies on natural gas and nuclear power, but the state has committed to 11,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2040. Forecasting how those resources fit together—connecting variable offshore wind generation to consistent data center demand and reliable power from nuclear and gas plants—requires students to model grid balance under different scenarios. Students who work through that challenge learn how utility planners actually reason through competing resources and how their choices affect a densely populated region.

Latimer Energy Academy helps students in New Jersey work through AI-driven demand forecasting so the computing and offshore wind infrastructure shaping their state becomes something they can evaluate and explain.

Energy data is from the EIA State Energy Data System, EIA State Electricity Profiles, NCSL State Energy Legislation Database, and state economic development offices.

Start here for New Jersey

The AI Smart Meter: Future Prediction

New Jersey's electrical system runs under strain: the state imports roughly one-third of its electricity from neighboring states to serve nearly 1,300 residents per square mile. Data centers arriving in the state, including a major 300-megawatt facility in Vineland, add hundreds more megawatts of demand. Students can learn to forecast that demand and understand the infrastructure challenge New Jersey is solving right now.

Mission spotlight

The Energy Cost of AI

Students use AI to forecast energy demand and connect that forecasting work to the grid planning story New Jersey is living — balancing offshore wind generation with fast-growing computing demand.

Included in LEA curriculum

Pilot proof

Students enjoy the work because it feels real.

In January 2026, 39 fourth-grade students in Indianapolis completed every lesson from start to finish — coding real pocket computers (microcontrollers), collecting live energy readings, and presenting findings to an audience.

4.6/5

Student enjoyment

72% of students gave it a 5-star rating

100%

Reported learning something new

Every student who took the survey said they learned something new

39

Students completed the entire course

Every student finished all five lessons, coded a pocket computer (microcontroller), and presented findings

Available to book today

Book the support that fits New Jersey.

Whether you want to get LEA into the hands of students this semester, plan for a pilot next year, or just learn more about the state-specific approach, you can book a session with our team to get the support you need.

School or district consultation

Review the state-specific entry point, pilot scope, and what implementation would look like for your classrooms.

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Founder-led instruction session

Bring Dr. Naeem Turner-Bandele in to teach a project and show what high-quality facilitation looks like with students.

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Family or community guidance

Get help choosing the right starting point for home learning, after-school use, or a community organization rollout.

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Utility or business partnership call

Discuss local workforce relevance, territory fit, and how we can collaborate to support energy education in your community.

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Find your path

Choose your next step based on how you want to use LEA in New Jersey.

Select your path below to see the approach designed for how you will use LEA in New Jersey — whether you run a classroom, lead a school, or support a student at home.

Find the right starting point

Schools

Curriculum and professional development for your district

Teachers

Lesson plans and resources for your classroom

Parents

Learn alongside your child with guided family activities

Community

Hands-on energy programs for clubs and community groups

Utilities

STEM outreach and workforce pipeline programs

Businesses

Partner with Latimer Energy Academy to build the energy and technology workforce