Establishes thermal energy network pilot program for gas public utilities.

This bill establishes a four-year pilot program allowing New Jersey gas utilities to build thermal energy networks using geothermal or other renewable thermal sources (like waste heat) as an alternative to natural gas infrastructure. It directly affects gas utilities, their ratepayers (who may see cost recovery through bills), and communities - particularly those with aging pipelines or no gas service. Utilities must submit detailed "thermal infrastructure plans" to the Board of Public Utilities for approval, which will evaluate project costs, benefits like emissions reductions and job creation, and how well projects serve low-income or overburdened communities. The program limits approval to one project per geographic region (northern, central, southern, coastal) and permits cost recovery via utility rates. The goal is to test the feasibility of thermal networks for heating and cooling across the state.