Energy in New Jersey | MyRepTracker

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 3396: Prohibits collection of certain subscription fees under community solar program.

This bill prohibits electric utilities from including "solar subscription fees" in community solar subscribers' electricity bills. It directly affects residents participating in New Jersey's community solar program, who previously paid these fees alongside their regular energy charges. The key mechanism requires the Board of Public Utilities to mandate that utilities remove these fees from consolidated bills, as the fees are defined as payments to entities managing the program ("subscriber organizations"). Currently, these fees are included in bills with energy credits, but the bill mandates their removal.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Solar

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

A 2608: Provides funding to nonprofit organizations to implement smart technology and artificial intelligence systems to enhance security infrastructure.

This bill establishes New Jersey's "Equitable Nonprofit Security and Innovation Grant Program," providing funding to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (including places of worship) to implement smart technology and artificial intelligence systems for security enhancement. Nonprofits can receive up to $25,000 for smart tech (e.g., motion sensors, energy-efficient systems) or up to $100,000 for AI security systems (e.g., threat detection, real-time monitoring), with priority given to organizations serving at-risk communities, communities of color, interdisciplinary groups, and collaborative networks. The Office of Homeland Security will administer the program, requiring applicants to submit security needs assessments and ensuring AI systems avoid discrimination. Grants must be used solely for these technology implementations within New Jersey, with the program requiring annual $14 million funding requests and a five-year impact evaluation.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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

A 1862: Establishes "Zero Energy Construction Act"; requires all new residential and commercial developments to be zero energy ready; requires developers to offer zero energy construction.

The "Zero Energy Construction Act" requires all new residential and commercial buildings in New Jersey to be constructed as "zero energy ready" starting January 1, 2025, meaning they are designed to meet their energy needs through on-site renewable sources. It directly affects developers of new buildings and prospective owners, who must be offered zero energy construction options and provided with cost disclosures and information about energy savings. Developers must also inform buyers about available incentives and compile details on environmental benefits, while the state will maintain an online resource for this information. The bill amends building codes to mandate these standards and ensures transparency about financial and environmental impacts.

Topics ✓ Energy

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

A 4364: Adds fusion to types of Class I renewable energies as defined for purposes of "Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act."

This bill adds nuclear fusion energy to the list of "Class I renewable energies" under New Jersey's Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act. It directly affects electric utilities and consumers by expanding eligibility for renewable energy credits and incentives to include fusion power. The key change is a simple definition update in the law, allowing fusion to qualify for the same benefits as established renewables like solar and wind. This does not create new programs or funding but adjusts existing framework to include fusion as a qualifying energy source. The change applies to all relevant energy procurement and incentive mechanisms under the Act.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Nuclear Renewable Energy Solar

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

A 3253: Directs BPU to establish incentive program for geothermal energy systems and grant program to support government energy aggregation program; increases annual target for new community solar projects.

This bill (A 3253) directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create two new programs: 1) A fixed monthly incentive for owners of geothermal energy systems (which use the earth’s constant temperature to heat/cool buildings), available to residential, commercial, industrial, and government entities, funded through existing energy program fees. 2) A grant program to help counties and municipalities join or maintain government energy aggregation programs (which pool buying power for cheaper electricity). The incentives must mirror solar energy program value, and both programs must be established within 18 months of the bill’s effective date. It directly affects property owners, local governments, and utilities by expanding clean energy adoption and aggregation options.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

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

A 2637: Revises and updates public utility franchise process; allows State's political subdivisions to revoke franchises; increases certain penalties.

This New Jersey bill (A 2637) updates rules for public utility franchises (operating permits for companies providing electricity, water, or sewer services). It limits new franchises to seven years, requires utilities to get state board approval for new agreements, and gives local governments the power to revoke franchises if utilities violate terms. The bill also increases penalties for non-compliance from $100 to $25,000 per violation for failing to meet service or environmental standards. These changes directly affect utilities, local governments, and the State Board of Public Utilities.

Topics ✓ Energy

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

A 3911: Establishes limits on zoning restrictions for certain electric battery storage equipment installation.

This bill (A 3911) simplifies zoning rules for installing small electric battery storage systems at homes and businesses in New Jersey. It makes such installations a "permitted use" at residential properties, meaning homeowners don’t need special variances to install them. For commercial/industrial sites, it requires only a basic zoning permit (not site plan reviews) if the installation meets safety codes and doesn’t violate existing property rules. The bill also directs the state to create a model ordinance for installation standards within 30 days, which municipalities may adopt or adapt but cannot override with extra review requirements. The bill is pending before the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Energy Storage

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

A 3949: Directs BPU to adopt rules and regulations concerning small modular nuclear reactors; authorizes EDA to incentivize construction and operation of such reactors.

This bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create rules for small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), defined as reactors under 300 megawatts capacity requiring U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing. It authorizes the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to use 60% of funds from the Global Warming Solutions Fund to provide grants and financial incentives for the construction and operation of SMRs. The policy directly affects commercial entities building or operating these reactors, with funding prioritizing projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or energy demand. The bill establishes a concrete mechanism for state support of SMR development through EDA’s grant programs, without specifying project outcomes.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Nuclear Climate Change

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

A 2673: Prohibits public utility from increasing rates until conclusion of hearing and BPU determination that rate increase is just and reasonable.

This bill (A2673) prohibits New Jersey public utilities (like gas, electric, or water companies) from raising rates for products or services until the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) completes a hearing and formally determines the increase is "just and reasonable." Currently, utilities can implement rate hikes before the hearing concludes, but this bill requires them to wait for the BPU's final approval. The key mechanism shifts the timeline: utilities must wait for the hearing's conclusion and the BPU's written determination before increasing rates, placing the burden on the utility to prove the increase is justified. This applies specifically to rate increase petitions filed under existing BPU regulations.

Topics ✓ Energy

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 5, 2026

A 4004: Establishes Division of Energy Resource and Development; transfers certain responsibilities from BPU to the Division of Energy Resource and Development.

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.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Climate Change

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