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.
This bill prohibits the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) from providing any financial assistance - including grants, loans, tax credits, or other subsidies - to wind energy projects. It directly affects wind energy developers who would have sought EDA funding for project development or operations. The key mechanism removes wind energy projects from eligibility under the EDA’s existing funding allocation for renewable energy, specifically deleting references to "qualified offshore wind projects" from the 60% funding allocation meant for energy efficiency and renewable projects. This change shifts EDA funding priorities away from wind energy toward other renewable and energy efficiency initiatives. The bill also repeals prior provisions that allowed wind project subsidies.
New Jersey's bill A-3338 requires municipalities, public utilities, and state agencies to install or replace street lights with LED technology during routine maintenance or new installations. Exceptions apply for temporary lighting (e.g., emergencies, special events), safety concerns, or historic properties. The law mandates compliance with minimum lighting standards while prioritizing energy conservation, reduced glare, and minimized light pollution. This policy directly affects all entities managing street lighting across the state, applying to lights funded by municipal budgets, utility rates, or state/federal sources.
This bill eliminates demand side management programs (like energy efficiency initiatives) from being funded through New Jersey's societal benefits charge. It deletes a specific provision (section 12(3)) that previously allowed electric and gas utilities to recover costs for these programs via a mandatory charge on all customers. The change means utilities can no longer use this specific charge to fund demand side management programs, shifting how those costs might be recovered. This directly affects utilities and the programs they administer, removing a dedicated funding mechanism for energy efficiency and related initiatives.
This bill requires New Jersey state agencies to use energy-efficient outdoor lighting fixtures when installing, replacing, or maintaining such equipment with state funds. Specifically, it mandates that any fixture exceeding 1,800 lumens must be a "cutoff luminaire" (directing light downward to minimize glare and light pollution), while prioritizing energy conservation and natural night environment preservation. The rule applies only to state-owned properties and facilities, excluding counties, municipalities, and temporary or emergency lighting needs. It does not alter existing lighting on motor vehicles, aircraft, or historic properties.
This bill (A 1656) requires all outdoor lighting fixtures installed or replaced by New Jersey state agencies or on projects receiving state funds to meet specific environmental and energy efficiency standards. It mandates fully shielded fixtures with a BUG rating of U0, a maximum color temperature of 2,700 Kelvin (with limited exceptions), motion sensors, and minimal light trespass. The law aims to reduce light pollution, glare, and energy use while preserving public health and the natural night environment. It directly affects state agencies, state-funded construction projects, and all outdoor lighting installations under their jurisdiction.
This bill creates the Division of Energy Resource and Development within the Department of the Treasury, transferring key energy policy responsibilities from the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to the new division. It specifically moves BPU's energy efficiency programs, clean energy initiatives, electric vehicle incentives, and energy generation planning to the division. The division will focus on advancing New Jersey's clean energy goals through unified strategy development, public education on sustainable energy, and supporting state agencies in meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets. The division will be led by a governor-appointed director who will oversee the transition of BPU functions and develop crisis response plans for energy systems.
This bill, S 320, authorizes New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to use funds from the "Global Warming Solutions Fund" to provide grants to **farmers** for replacing inefficient or polluting agricultural equipment with more efficient, less polluting alternatives. The key provision requires applicants to prove the old equipment has been permanently dismantled or decommissioned before receiving a grant. Funds for this program are allocated from the 60% of the "Global Warming Solutions Fund" designated for agricultural, commercial, and industrial energy efficiency projects under existing law. The bill does not change the fund's overall structure but specifically expands EDA's grant authority for agricultural equipment upgrades.
S 1901 makes commercial farm owners in New Jersey eligible to apply for and receive energy efficiency incentives through the state's Clean Energy Program (NJCEP). The bill requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a program helping farm owners conduct energy audits - assessing energy use and identifying conservation measures - to maximize savings. It also mandates the BPU to publish all available farm-specific incentives online. This addresses a gap where commercial farms were excluded from NJCEP programs (unlike residential dwellings on farms), directly benefiting farm operators seeking to improve energy efficiency.
This bill requires all new residential buildings in New Jersey to install smart thermostats (defined as internet-connected devices, commonly called "wi-fi thermostats") in every residential unit. Builders must include these provisions in construction permit applications to be approved. The Commissioner of Community Affairs, with the Board of Public Utilities, will create energy efficiency standards for these thermostats through regulations. The requirement would take effect seven months after the bill becomes law. This directly affects new home construction projects and developers seeking building permits.
