Energy in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

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

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

A 2758: Prohibits BPU approval of electric and gas public utility rate increases resulting in total increase to average residential customer bill in excess of two percent annually.

This bill prohibits New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) from approving electric or gas utility rate increases that would cause an average residential customer's annual bill to rise more than 2%. It directly affects residential utility customers and the BPU, which must deny any proposed rate hike exceeding this 2% annual cap on the average customer bill. The key provision sets a strict limit on total annual rate increases, regardless of individual utility company proposals or cost factors. The law takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation

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

A 3948: The "Healthy and Affordable Construction for Tomorrow Act."

This bill requires New Jersey to amend its building code to ban burning high-emission fuels (like natural gas) in new construction. Starting 12 months after enactment, it prohibits such combustion in new buildings under seven stories; 36 months later, the ban applies to all new buildings regardless of height. Exemptions apply only to emergency systems, emergency facilities, and commercial food establishments, though these areas must still be designed to be "all-electric ready" where feasible. The bill also mandates a joint report on electric rate adjustments within 12 months and allows municipalities to impose stricter rules. (Pending before the Assembly Housing Committee as of 2026-01-13.)

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

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

A 4019: "Cost Savings on Energy Saving Purchases Act"; exempts sales of energy-saving products and services from sales and use tax.

This bill exempts the retail sale of specific energy-saving products and services from New Jersey's sales and use tax. It directly affects consumers and businesses purchasing items like LED light bulbs, insulation, window caulk, furnace filters, weather stripping, tankless water heaters, and HVAC tune-up services. The key provision defines "energy-saving products" as those primarily designed to reduce energy consumption in homes and buildings, explicitly listing qualifying items. This tax exemption aims to lower costs for buyers of these efficiency-focused products.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Government Spending Sales Tax Tax Incentives

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 3313: Prohibits BPU from authorizing rate increases for electric and gas public utilities that charge inclining block rates for residential customers.

This bill prohibits New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) from approving rate increases for electric and gas utilities that use "inclining block rates" for residential customers. Inclining block rates charge higher prices once a household's energy use exceeds specific thresholds, regardless of when energy is consumed. The bill directly affects residential customers in New Jersey who currently face these tiered pricing structures, particularly during high-use seasons like summer. It requires the BPU to halt any rate hike approvals for utilities using this rate design, though it does not eliminate the rate structure itself. The sponsor cites a 2024 report stating such rates are outdated and not cost-reflective, aiming to reduce residential electricity costs.

Topics ✓ Energy

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