The Board of Public Utilities on Wednesday adopted a long- discussed standard requiring that by 2020 at least 20 percent of power used in the state come from a renewable source, such as the sun, the wind or the waves.

Now that New Jersey has set the lofty goal for switching to cleaner power sources, advocates said they want the state to go further by adopting new energy-saving standards and by erecting at least some offshore windmills on a test-case basis.

The state currently gets only about 1 percent of its power from renewable sources, primarily from its rapidly growing solar power industry.

The state's first wind turbines opened in Atlantic City last year. But former Governor Richard Codey stunted that industry's growth when he placed a moratorium on putting windmills in the ocean the state's windiest locations until a panel he appointed could examine concerns that aquatic life and tourism would be harmed. That panel's report is expected any day.

Even without its own windmills, New Jersey can hit its new target because power can be purchased from renewable energy companies in other states, BPU President Jeanne Fox said.

Environmental groups say they are hoping for a pilot program in which a small wind-power station could be built in the ocean to study the impact. They are also urging the adoption of energy- saving standards for new homes and for appliances such as furnaces and water heaters.

"We waste too much energy in New Jersey, regardless of where it comes from," said Suzanne Leta, an advocate with the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group.

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E-mail: diskin@northjersey.com