Energy in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

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

A 2843: Prohibits certain electric public utility rate increases and requires certain protections for ratepayers.

This bill prohibits New Jersey electric utilities from raising rates specifically to cover smart meter installation costs. It requires utilities to publicly disclose rate increase details (amount, date, reasons, and impact) 30 days before and after any increase, with fines up to $10,000 for noncompliance. For rate hikes causing a 5%+ average bill increase, utilities must report to the federal Department of Energy 60 days in advance and provide annual reports on service interruptions and overdue bills. The bill also bans disconnecting service or charging late fees for affected ratepayers for six months following such significant increases. These provisions directly protect residential and business electricity customers from unexpected costs while increasing utility transparency.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation

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

A 1054: Establishes "Energy Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships Program"; amends law concerning NJ Infrastructure Bank; and authorizes certain energy contracts under "Public School Contracts Law" and "Local Public Contracts Law" up to 25 years.

This bill (A 1054) creates a new "Energy Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships Program" to help public entities like schools, hospitals, and emergency facilities upgrade energy infrastructure through long-term partnerships with private companies. It directly affects these critical facilities by allowing them to enter 25-year energy contracts under existing public procurement laws, instead of shorter terms. Key mechanisms include extending contract durations for renewable energy projects (like solar and battery storage), requiring partnerships to improve grid resilience and reduce emissions, and leveraging private capital to avoid taxpayer costs. The program aims to modernize aging systems, support New Jersey’s decarbonization goals, and enhance reliability for essential services.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Resilience Energy Storage Solar Climate Change

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

A 3713: Provides CBT credit for development of anaerobic digestion facilities that process food waste.

This bill creates a tax credit for New Jersey businesses that develop and construct anaerobic digestion facilities processing food waste. Taxpayers can claim a credit equal to 50% of facility development costs, capped at $250,000 per facility, for six years. The total tax credits awarded statewide cannot exceed $15 million, and the credit applies against the corporation business tax. The bill defines "food waste" to include processing residues and used cooking oils but excludes donated food or consumer waste.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Tax Credits

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 24, 2026

A 4460: Authorizes EDA to provide grants from "Global Warming Solutions Fund" to finance replacement of inefficient agricultural irrigation equipment.

This bill authorizes the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to use funds from the "Global Warming Solutions Fund" to provide grants for farmers to replace inefficient irrigation equipment with energy-efficient alternatives. It directly affects agricultural entities in New Jersey, specifically targeting upgrades like drip irrigation systems, soil sensors, efficient pumps, and sprinkler heads. Key provisions require applicants to demonstrate that old equipment is permanently decommissioned and prioritize projects with measurable reductions in energy use or water waste. The grants are funded through a dedicated 60% allocation of the existing fund, as amended under P.L.2007, c.340.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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

A 2402: Requires certain school facilities projects constructed by SDA to include solar energy component.

This bill requires school projects built by New Jersey's School Development Authority (SDA) for 31 designated school districts to include solar energy systems, such as solar panels, as part of new construction. The requirement applies only to projects advanced after the bill's effective date and financed using bonds issued under existing law (P.L.2000, c.72). It does not affect existing projects or those not funded through these specific bonds. The SDA may update its building standards to implement this solar requirement.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Solar

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

A 2235: Requires electric and gas public utilities de-privatization study; appropriates $100,000.

This New Jersey bill (A 2235) requires the Division of Rate Counsel to hire an independent third party to study the feasibility and cost savings of returning electric and gas utilities to public ownership. The study must examine options like public acquisition or joint ownership with utilities, analyzing impacts on ratepayers, environmental effects, service quality, and revenue from clean energy programs. Electric and gas utilities, as well as public entities, must cooperate by providing requested information to the third party. The $100,000 appropriation funds the study, which must be completed within one year, after which the Division will submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Appropriations Government Spending Renewable Energy Utility Regulation

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 1072: Direct BPU to establish certain incentive programs for energy storage and management.**

This bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and electric utilities to establish a program developing 500 megawatts of distributed battery storage capacity statewide by 2030. It mandates the BPU to set minimum program requirements, including specific storage targets per utility, size standards, and enhanced incentives for projects in overburdened communities and redevelopment areas. Electric utilities must submit implementation plans to the BPU for approval, with annual reporting to ensure compliance and cost savings for ratepayers. The program aims to improve grid stability, reduce interconnection times, and lower system costs by leveraging federal funding and avoiding distribution upgrades.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Transmission

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

AR 41: Urges President of U.S. and Congress to investigate environmental and labor risks of lithium-ion battery mining fields.

New Jersey's Assembly Resolution AR 41 is a non-binding request urging the U.S. President and Congress to investigate environmental and labor risks linked to lithium mining. It specifically highlights concerns about water scarcity and carbon emissions from mining in Australia, Chile, and Argentina, as well as child labor in cobalt mining (used in lithium batteries) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The resolution notes that the U.S. imports most of its lithium from Argentina and Chile and lithium-ion batteries from China, where these issues are prevalent. It does not create new laws but asks federal authorities to examine these impacts before the U.S. continues relying on these global supply chains.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Climate Change

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1062: Provides for State agency reviews and increases of income thresholds for residential customers to participate in certain utility bill payment assistance and energy efficiency programs.

This bill requires New Jersey state agencies (including the Department of Community Affairs and Board of Public Utilities) to review and potentially raise income limits for residential customers seeking utility bill assistance or energy efficiency programs within one year of the bill's effective date. It directly affects low- and moderate-income households who currently qualify for these programs by expanding eligibility if income thresholds increase. Key provisions mandate agencies to consider program alignment, state median income, cost impacts, and public input before adjusting limits, while also requiring coordination to ensure customers aren’t eligible for multiple energy efficiency programs. The bill aims to simplify access and expand support without specifying exact income levels or outcomes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency

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

A 1170: Requires submission of energy usage plan to BPU for proposed artificial intelligence data centers; requires all electricity for artificial intelligence data centers to be derived from new clean energy sources.

This bill requires all new artificial intelligence data centers in New Jersey to use electricity derived exclusively from new clean energy sources (such as solar/wind or nuclear power) rather than conventional grid power. It directly affects developers seeking approval for new AI data centers by mandating they submit an energy usage plan to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for review. The plan must detail how the facility will source clean energy, minimize cooling energy use, optimize water and ventilation systems, and repurpose waste heat. The BPU must approve the plan within 90 days before construction can proceed, ensuring these centers align with New Jersey’s clean energy goals.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Nuclear Renewable Energy Solar

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