Energy in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 907: Prohibits collecting of certain costs associated with offshore wind projects from ratepayers.

This bill prohibits New Jersey electric utilities from charging ratepayers (electricity/gas bill payers) for certain costs related to offshore wind projects. It directly affects residential and business customers who pay utility bills by preventing utilities from passing these specific project expenses through their rates. The key mechanism is a legal restriction requiring utilities to absorb these costs internally rather than collecting them from customers. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee after introduction in 2026.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Wind

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 ✓ Energy ✓ Housing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1071: Establishes advanced nuclear energy program in BPU.

This bill establishes a program within New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to support the development of advanced nuclear energy projects. It defines "advanced nuclear reactors" as those with specific improvements over current technology, including enhanced safety, reduced waste, better integration with renewable energy, and modular design. The program requires projects to be approved by the BPU and includes a new "advanced nuclear development charge" to cover eligible construction costs, with rules for managing unforeseen cost increases. It also creates a certification system for electricity generated, ensuring it meets environmental and reliability standards for qualified projects.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Nuclear Renewable Energy

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

A 4028: Authorizes EDA to provide grants from "Global Warming Solutions Fund" to finance replacement of certain agricultural equipment.

This bill authorizes the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide grants from the "Global Warming Solutions Fund" to help farmers replace inefficient or polluting agricultural equipment with more efficient, less polluting alternatives. It directly affects farmers who operate equipment meeting the specified criteria for replacement. The key mechanism requires applicants to prove the old equipment has been permanently decommissioned, and grants must support projects demonstrably reducing greenhouse gas emissions or energy demand. The fund allocation for this purpose is part of a larger 60% EDA distribution for energy efficiency and emissions reduction projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Climate Change Tags Agriculture

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3928: Requires BPU to designate solar portion of critical renewable microgrid as solar energy project under Community Solar Energy Program; requires Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to designate certain microgrids as assets of importance.

This bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a program allowing solar energy systems connected to "critical renewable microgrids" to qualify as community solar projects. These systems would receive special incentives, including solar energy credits at low-income rates and the ability to exceed the standard 5-megawatt capacity limit. To qualify, systems must supply at least 75% of their energy to low- or moderate-income customers at 20% below standard rates. Additionally, the Office of Homeland Security must designate qualifying microgrids as "assets of importance," exempting their solar incentives from certain cost caps. The program is limited to 100 megawatts annually and requires systems to begin operations within 3-4 years of approval.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Energy Resilience Solar

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2665: Provides gross income tax deduction for costs of purchasing and installing battery backups for certain home solar electrical generators.

This bill allows New Jersey homeowners with solar generators in their primary residence to deduct up to $10,000 of the cost for purchasing and installing battery backup systems from their gross income tax. It directly affects homeowners who have installed solar panels and wish to add energy storage. The key provision creates a tax deduction for these specific battery backup costs, effective immediately for taxable years ending after enactment. The purpose is to incentivize battery storage so solar-powered homes can maintain electricity during power outages, as solar systems currently disconnect from the grid during outages.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Income Tax Procurement Energy Storage Solar

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3971: Establishes Fusion Energy and Technology Incentive Program in EDA to encourage use of power plants for fusion energy and technology purposes; authorizes funds in Global Warming Solutions Fund to support fusion energy and technology facilities.

This bill creates a Fusion Energy and Technology Incentive Program through New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to encourage using power plant sites for fusion energy development. It provides tax credits to two groups: (1) property owners who lease space on power plant sites to fusion companies (15% of rent plus 35% of qualifying site preparation costs), and (2) fusion companies operating facilities on those sites. The program is limited to $5 million in annual tax credits and applies to both operational and decommissioned power plants. It directly affects New Jersey-based fusion energy companies and property owners with eligible power plant sites.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3562: Concerns installation and maintenance of solar panels in common interest communities.

This bill prohibits homeowners' associations in New Jersey from banning solar panel installation on roofs of single-family homes (where the roof isn't common property) and townhouses (where the owner, not the association, is responsible for roof repairs). Associations may still set limited rules about installer qualifications, placement, color matching, and size - but cannot impose rules that increase installation costs by more than 10% or reduce panel efficiency. The law applies to standard homeowner associations, excluding developer-controlled communities. It clarifies existing protections for solar adoption while ensuring reasonable regulations don't create undue financial or functional barriers.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Solar

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4365: Requires State to bear costs of interconnection of net-metered, residential, Class I renewable energy systems.

This bill requires New Jersey to cover the cost of connecting residential, net-metered Class I renewable energy systems (such as home solar panels) to the electric grid. It amends state law to include these interconnection costs in the existing "societal benefits charge," a fee added to all electricity bills. This shifts the financial responsibility from homeowners or utilities to the state, with costs shared by all ratepayers. The bill also mandates that 25% of funding for renewable energy programs must support Class I projects.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Transmission

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 2524: Permits dual-use solar energy projects to participate in community solar program.*

This bill amends New Jersey's community solar program to allow "dual-use" solar facilities - those combining solar panels with ongoing agricultural production on farmland - to participate. It sets a 5-megawatt maximum per project, requires at least two participating customers, and mandates access for low- and moderate-income residents. The law also establishes phased registration goals (225 MW by 2024, then 3,000 MW total by 2029) and requires monthly reporting on energy generation and bill credits. This directly affects electric utility customers in New Jersey who can now access community solar projects on farmland, with specific protections for low-income participants.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Solar

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