Branchville-based Selective Insurance Group is more than just a leading business, home and auto insurance carrier. It’s also a leader in an effort to drive clean energy efforts in the state.
That was the message that came out of its “Power Up New Jersey” event Friday morning to celebrate Earth Day at its Sussex County corporate headquarters.
The event showcased the efforts the company has made, including:
- In 2019, Selective built a ground-mount solar photovoltaic facility at its Branchville corporate headquarters that consists of 7,470 LG 400-watt solar panels on approximately 9 acres. The facility generates approximately 4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually that it sells to others through New Jersey’s Solar Renewable Energy Certificate Program;
- In October 2022, Selective completed a second solar installation — a canopy over its parking garage — that it expects to produce approximately 1 million kWh of electricity annually that it intends to sell to others through New Jersey’s Transition Renewable Energy Certificate Program.
To symbolize the completion of the solar facility, the company unveiled a ground-mount LG solar panel, which was signed by the attendees at the event who were involved in the projects — from employees to contractor partners and local and state officials.
The panel will be displayed in the company’s headquarters. The impact of the projects will be felt throughout the state.
The facility can produce approximately 5 million kWh of renewable energy annually, which Selective will sell to others through New Jersey’s SREC and TREC markets.
About Selective Insurance
Selective Insurance Group is a holding company for 10 property and casualty insurance companies rated “A+” (Superior) by AM Best. Through independent agents, the insurance companies offer standard and specialty insurance for commercial and personal risks and flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program’s Write Your Own Program.
Selective’s unique position as both a leading insurance group and an employer of choice is recognized in a wide variety of awards and honors, including listing in Forbes Best Midsize Employers in 2023 and certification as a Great Place to Work in 2022 for the third consecutive year.
Selective Chief Financial Officer Mark Wilcox said clean energy efforts are good for residents and businesses.
“As a property and casualty insurer, we understand climate change science and the impact increased weather-related loss frequency and severity have on our individual and business customers,” he said. “To advance a clean energy future and reduce carbon-based power demand, we proudly unveil the latest solar installation at our Branchville corporate headquarters.”
Selective believes climate change contributes to the increasing unpredictability of natural catastrophes, such as hurricanes, floods and wildfires. These are among the most serious risks facing the individuals and businesses it insures.
To help its employees be able to better participate in clean energy efforts, Selective also has installed four U.S.-manufactured charging stations with dual ports.
The efforts play into the vision of Gov. Phil Murphy, who has said his goal is for the state to obtain 100% of its electricity from clean energy by 2035.
