Energy (Energy Efficiency) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 8, 2026

S 4435: "Efficient Energy Use Act"; requires certain public utilities to offer time-varying rates.

The Efficient Energy Use Act requires electric public utilities in New Jersey to offer time-varying rates to residential customers who have smart meters. Under this bill, these customers must voluntarily choose to enroll in a pricing plan where electricity costs change based on the time of day, rather than being charged automatically. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities will oversee the creation of these rates and must work with other state agencies to ensure enrolled customers can still access energy efficiency programs and financial assistance. Utilities are required to inform eligible customers about the new options on their bills, and the Board must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within one year detailing how many people signed up and how the new rates affected their bills.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Utility Regulation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4321: Authorizes use of Global Warming Solutions Fund monies for cost reduction programs; requires DEP to prioritize consumer relief when allocating Global Warming Solutions Fund monies.

This bill directs how New Jersey's Global Warming Solutions Fund money is spent, requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to prioritize helping consumers lower their energy costs. It establishes specific spending rules where 60% of the funds go to commercial and industrial energy efficiency projects, 20% supports residential programs in low- and moderate-income urban areas, and the remaining 30% is split between local government initiatives and forest or marsh restoration efforts. Additionally, the law allows up to 4% of the annual fund to be used for administrative expenses. By amending existing state statutes, the legislation ensures that future allocations from this fund focus on measurable reductions in energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions rather than other potential uses.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Climate Change Forestry

signed · New Jersey · Senate Aug 6, 2026

S 4162: "Affordable Power Purchase Agreements Extension Act"; concerns extension of certain public entity contracts related to energy conservation and renewable energy production.

This bill, titled the 'Affordable Power Purchase Agreements Extension Act,' allows New Jersey school boards to extend existing contracts for renewable energy and energy conservation projects without going through a new public bidding process. The legislation directly affects public school districts by amending state law to include renewable energy contract extensions as an exception to standard advertising requirements for large contracts. By permitting these extensions, the bill aims to provide continuity for current energy savings initiatives while maintaining oversight through public notice and justification requirements for each award.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 4959: "Affordable Power Purchase Agreements Extension Act"; concerns extension of certain public entity contracts related to energy conservation and renewable energy production.

This bill extends the legal term for renewable energy contracts held by New Jersey public entities, specifically school boards. By amending state statutes, it allows these boards to continue purchasing power from renewable sources under existing agreements without needing to re-bid or renegotiate the deals immediately. The measure directly affects school districts and other public agencies that have previously entered into long-term energy conservation or green energy production agreements. It ensures the stability of these contracts by formally permitting their extension within the current legal framework for public procurement.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Conservation

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4936: Establishes Whole-Home Repairs Program in HMFA; appropriates $25 million.

This bill creates a new Whole-Home Repairs Program within the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to provide financial assistance for home improvements. The program targets low-income homeowners and landlords with fewer than ten properties who need repairs for safety, accessibility, or energy efficiency. Eligible homeowners may receive grants, while eligible landlords can access loans that become forgivable if they agree to limit rent increases for at least two years. The legislation also mandates that construction workers be paid prevailing wages and gives priority to seniors, people with disabilities, and those facing immediate health risks. A total of $25 million is appropriated to fund these grants and loans.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Housing Finance Mortgages Renters

passed · New Jersey · Senate Jun 18, 2026

S 4373: Expands memorandum of understanding requirements for purpose of consolidated application for residential utility assistance programs.

This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to create formal agreements with state agencies and nonprofit energy groups that offer their own utility assistance programs. The goal is to integrate these separate programs into a single, user-friendly online application portal for residents seeking help with utility bills or energy efficiency measures. Under the new rules, these partner organizations must work with the department to update the consolidated form and report any temporary assistance programs so they can also be included. This change aims to simplify the process for households applying for financial aid by centralizing multiple options into one digital system.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Housing ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4315: Establishes School Ventilation and Energy Efficiency Grant Program in DOE; appropriates $500 million.

This bill creates a $500 million grant program within the Department of Education to help school districts improve air quality and energy efficiency in their buildings. The funds are specifically designated for repairing, maintaining, or upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, with a requirement that new systems meet specific ventilation and filtration standards. Priority for these grants is given to districts serving underserved communities where at least half of the students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Each district must secure its own local funding before receiving state money, and the grants will cover up to 75 percent of eligible project costs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Student Health Energy Efficiency Air Quality

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4246: Establishes Whole-Home Repairs Program in HMFA; appropriates $25 million.

This bill creates the Whole-Home Repairs Program within the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to provide financial assistance for home improvements. It targets low-income homeowners and small landlords by offering grants to owners and forgivable loans to landlords who agree to limit rent increases for at least two years. The program specifically funds repairs for accessibility, safety, energy efficiency, and weatherization, with priority given to seniors, people with disabilities, and those facing immediate health risks. A total of $25 million is appropriated from the state's General Fund to support these efforts while ensuring that construction work pays prevailing wages.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics State Budget Energy Efficiency Housing Finance Mortgages Tenant Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 3954: Requires public utilities to provide Energy Star-rated product and appliance rebates of no less than 20 percent of total cost of product or appliance.

This bill requires public utilities in New Jersey to offer rebates of at least 20 percent of the total cost for residential products and appliances that carry the federal Energy Star label. It directly affects utility companies that administer energy efficiency or peak demand reduction programs and the homeowners who purchase qualifying Energy Star-rated items. The law mandates that these rebates be calculated based on the full price of the product or appliance and must be provided as part of existing utility programs approved by the Board of Public Utilities. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage without requiring additional administrative steps.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 3964: Requires public utilities to provide Energy Star-rated product and appliance rebates at time of sale.

This bill requires public utilities in New Jersey that offer rebate programs for Energy Star-rated home products and appliances to allow customers to receive the rebate amount directly deducted from the purchase price at the time of sale. The legislation applies to utilities administering rebate programs approved by the Board of Public Utilities as part of their energy efficiency or peak demand reduction initiatives. Utilities retain the authority to set specific eligibility requirements for which products qualify for rebates under this program. The change aims to simplify the rebate process for consumers by eliminating the need for separate reimbursement applications.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency

All energy bills