Energy

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 28, 2026

A 4882: "New Jersey Natural Gas Modernization Act."

This bill, titled the New Jersey Natural Gas Modernization Act, aims to update and improve existing natural gas power plants in the state to enhance energy reliability and lower costs for residents. It directly affects utility companies and the natural gas-fired generating facilities that currently operate within New Jersey. The legislation establishes a streamlined permitting process to allow for upgrades and efficiency improvements at these plants without weakening environmental protections. By modernizing older infrastructure, the bill seeks to reduce emissions, stabilize electricity prices, and ensure a steady power supply during times of high demand or renewable shortages.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill aims to update natural gas plants to enhance energy reliability and lower costs, indicating support for energy infrastructure modernization.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Energy

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passed · New Jersey · General Assembly May 18, 2026

A 804: Requires BPU to report societal benefits charge revenues and expenditures to Governor and Legislature.*

This bill requires New Jersey's Governor to include a detailed annual report in the budget message about revenues and spending from the "societal benefits charge" on utility bills. The report must show, for each of the past five fiscal years and the current year, how much was collected from electricity and gas customers, and how those funds were spent - specifically for energy efficiency programs, low-income energy assistance, plug-in electric vehicle incentives, and other approved initiatives. It also mandates itemized breakdowns of funds allocated by each utility company. The goal is to increase transparency about how this charge, embedded in customer bills, finances state energy and assistance programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates annual reporting on societal benefits charge revenues/expenditures, enhancing fiscal transparency for energy efficiency and assistance programs.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires reporting on funds for energy efficiency, low-income assistance, and EV incentives - directly advancing clean energy initiatives.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Energy

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passed · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 2127: Prohibits certain public utilities from charging residents of multi-unit dwellings meter-reading fees in certain circumstances.

This bill (A2127) prohibits electric and gas public utilities in New Jersey from charging residential tenants in multi-unit dwellings (like apartments) a meter-reading fee that exceeds the actual cost of their electricity or gas usage for a billing cycle. It specifically targets fees charged to customers who have opted out of smart meter installation and require manual meter readings. The law sets a clear cap: utilities cannot charge more for manual readings than the customer’s regular utility usage cost. This applies directly to renters in shared housing who choose manual metering, ensuring fees align with actual consumption rather than arbitrary charges.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill protects consumers by capping utility meter-reading fees at actual usage costs, reducing unnecessary charges for residents in multi-unit dwellings.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents excessive utility fees on tenants in multi-unit housing, strengthening tenant financial protections within housing policy.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Energy

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signed · New Jersey · Senate Apr 8, 2026

S 3870: Modifies certain CAFRA permit review requirements for nuclear facilities.

This bill modifies permit review requirements under New Jersey's Coastal Area Facility Review Act to address nuclear energy facilities. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner to evaluate whether a nuclear facility's radioactive waste storage and disposal methods are safe, comply with Nuclear Regulatory Commission standards, and do not endanger life or the environment. Currently, the commissioner only assesses waste disposal, but this change expands the review to include storage methods as well. The bill applies specifically to nuclear energy generation facilities operating in the state. No fiscal impact is expected from this legislative change.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill strengthens nuclear energy facility oversight by expanding permit review requirements to ensure safe radioactive waste storage and disposal, protecting energy infrastructure and public safety.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens environmental protections by requiring DEP to evaluate nuclear facility waste storage safety and environmental impact under CAFRA, expanding regulatory oversight.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Energy

signed · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 24, 2026

A 4529: Modifies certain requirements for transmission-scale energy storage procurement under BPU incentive program.

This bill modifies how New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities procures and incentivizes large-scale energy storage systems, primarily affecting developers and utilities seeking to build transmission-scale storage facilities. It establishes a two-phase program requiring projects to meet specific readiness milestones, such as completing interconnection studies with PJM or securing capacity rights, while setting a goal of awarding incentives for at least 1,000 MW of storage capacity by December 2026. The legislation also outlines application requirements, including proof of site control, permit acquisition plans, financial capability, and safety assurances, with a requirement that at least 350 MW be approved in the first phase by December 2025.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes incentives for transmission-scale energy storage, advancing clean energy infrastructure and energy grid reliability.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Energy

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 23, 2026

A 4528: Modifies certain CAFRA permit review requirements for nuclear facilities.

This bill modifies permit review requirements under New Jersey's Coastal Area Facility Review Act to allow the Department of Environmental Protection commissioner to approve nuclear facility permits even without a permanent federal high-level radioactive waste repository. The legislation removes a statutory barrier that currently prevents permit approval for new nuclear facilities pending federal waste storage solutions, arguing that on-site dry cask storage is proven to be secure and effective. Key provisions require the commissioner to ensure that proposed nuclear facilities use safe radioactive waste storage methods that conform to Nuclear Regulatory Commission standards and effectively protect public health and the environment. The bill aims to facilitate the construction and operation of advanced nuclear reactors to provide reliable, zero-emission baseload energy for New Jersey's growing electricity demand.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill removes regulatory barriers to nuclear facility permits, enabling nuclear energy development and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Energy

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 3967: Requires BPU to work with neighboring states to research and recommend certain action concerning electric capacity and transmission.

This bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to collaborate with neighboring states to research alternatives to PJM Interconnection's capacity market system, which has caused record-high electricity costs for consumers. It directs the BPU to evaluate three specific options: requiring electric utilities to secure 80% of their future capacity through long-term contracts, withdrawing from PJM's market to create a new multi-state compact, or leaving PJM's transmission grid entirely. The BPU must submit a report by December 2025 with findings and recommendations, addressing concerns that PJM's current system has led to $14.7 billion in projected consumer costs for 2025/2026 - up from $2.2 billion previously. The bill directly affects New Jersey ratepayers and electric utilities by seeking to reduce electricity costs through regional grid policy changes.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill targets high electricity costs by directing BPU to research alternatives to PJM's market, aiming to protect consumers through reduced rates and grid collaboration.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Energy

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 12, 2026

A 3969: Increases solar development goals of SREC-II program and extends certain target dates of program to 2035.

This bill amends New Jersey's solar incentive program (SREC-II) to increase the state's solar energy development goal from 3,750 megawatts to 6,500 megawatts and extend the target deadline from 2026 to 2035. It maintains the existing system where solar energy producers earn SREC-II certificates for each megawatt-hour generated, which can be sold to utilities to meet renewable energy requirements. The policy directly affects solar developers, property owners with solar installations, and utilities required to comply with renewable energy standards. The change aims to accelerate solar adoption by providing long-term certainty for projects through 2035.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly increases solar energy development goals (3,750→6,500 MW) and extends deadlines to 2035, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure under SREC-II program.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Energy

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