RCEI Clean Energy Fellowship

Rutgers Climate and Energy Institute has partnered with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to offer a paid placement within BPU's Division of Clean Energy and Office of Federal and Regional Policy.  This fellowship is available to Rutgers master's students who want to advance clean energy policy and programs alongside clean energy leaders. The Fellowship requires 182 hours over a 13 week period.  This fellowship is offered every Fall and Spring semester.

BPU Placement Divisions

Division of Clean Energy (DCE)
DCE advances energy efficiency and the development of clean energy resources. Guided by New Jersey’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2035, DCE works to lower energy costs, reduce electricity demand, cut air pollution, and create jobs in the clean energy sector. RCEI Fellows placed within DCE work alongside program and policy leaders supporting clean energy program administration and development. RCEI Fellows also gain exposure to the legal and regulatory frameworks that shape clean energy initiatives.
Office of Federal and Regional Policy (OFRP)
The Office of Federal and Regional Policy (OFRP), assists the Board’s Commissioners in voicing their policy positions at the federal and regional level. Staff of the OFRP advise the Commissioners on policy positions to advance in proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Department of Energy (DOE). In coordination with the Division of Law, OFRP manages BPU’s filings in those federal proceedings. OFRP Staff actively monitor and participate in stakeholder proceedings at PJM Interconnection, LLC (PJM), the Regional Transmission Organization. OFRP Staff also coordinate with other State Commissions through the Organization of PJM States, Inc. (OSPI) and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissions (NARUC) to develop policy positions.
Professional Mentorshipfrom experts in clean energy
Networking Opportunitiesto enhance career prospects
Potential for full-time Employmentafter graduation
Paid Placementwith practical industry experience

Eligibility & Fellow Responsibilities

Eligibility

For this fellowship a student must:

  • Be enrolled in a Rutgers Master's program that provides course work within one of the following disciplines:
    • Applied Energy Economics
    • Energy-based Engineering
    • Energy Public Policy
  • Maintain a graduate cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
  • Be a U.S. citizen OR have appropriate documentation to work in the U.S.
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Responsibilites

Fellows within this program will:

  • Complete 182 hours of professional experience over the 13-week period
  • Collaborate with BPU professionals and industry leaders to support projects within DCE and OFRP
  • Conduct industry and policy research in independent or team-based settings
  • Apply academic training and relevant experiences to advance innovative solutions alongside BPU administration officials
  • Participate in networking and professional development activities

How to Apply

Applications for Spring 2027 are currently open. Please see below for application information.

Application Deadline: November 1st, 2026

Application

Applications require three steps:

  1. Upload your CV/resume, unofficial transcripts, and a personal statement to the online application portal.
  2. Arrange for three (3) letters of recommendation to be sent directly to cleanenergy@rcei.rutgers.edu.
  3. Submit the completed online application form ; see here for list of all information requested.

Applicants and recommenders will receive an email confirmation once the full application packet has been received and processed by RCEI.

Selection & Compensation

Selection

Successful candidates will be selected based on:

  • Clear and concise personal statement that shows interest in clean energy policy implementation
  • Professional and/ or academic recommendations
  • Academic performance and relevant experience
  • Demonstration of strong communication, research, and organizational skills
  • Displays ability to excel in self-directed environments that support team outcomes

Compensation: participants will receive an hourly rate of $22 for the first 182 hours of the fellowship completed.

For further inquiries or additional details regarding the RCEI Clean Energy Fellowship Program, please contact cleanenergy@rcei.rutgers.edu.

Fall2026 RCEI Clean Energy Fellows

Tarani Nethagani

Tarani Nethagani

Bio:

Tarani Nethagani is a Master of Public Policy candidate at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. With a concentration in environmental and health policy, her interests center on clean energy and climate policies that improve environmental and public health outcomes. Through academic coursework, community engagement, and policy advocacy experiences with organizations including Food & Water Watch and the Rutgers Office of Climate Action Student Advisory Board, she has explored the intersection of energy policy, environmental equity, and public service. These experiences have strengthened her interest in developing practical, evidence-based policies that support a more sustainable and resilient future. As a Clean Energy Fellow, Tarani hopes to contribute to the state’s clean energy transition and help implement policies that make the transition more accessible for communities across New Jersey.

 

Ryan Lawrence

Ryan Lawrence

Bio:

Ryan Lawrence is a second-year graduate student at Rutgers University’s Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, where he is pursuing a Master of City and Regional planning. As an RCEI Clean Energy Fellow this fall at the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Ryan looks forward to supporting clean energy policy research, energy efficiency programs, and farmland solar initiatives. Ryan looks forward to using experiences working on political campaigns, in municipal government, urban agriculture, and with Habitat for Humanity to establish a home energy efficiency program to shape policy and planning that achieves a clean energy future.

Alumni

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