The proposed bill establishes the Office of Clean Energy Equity within the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to ensure equitable access to clean energy resources for overburdened communities. The office will oversee the implementation of clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs, with a goal of benefiting at least 250,000 low-income households through onsite or community solar initiatives by 2030. The BPU is tasked with reducing the average energy burden for these households to below six percent of their income and establishing a minimum of 1,600 megawatt hours of energy storage in these communities. Additionally, the bill mandates that at least 10 percent of the BPU's annual clean energy budget, or a minimum of $50 million, be allocated to support the Office of Clean Energy Equity.

The bill also outlines responsibilities for the BPU, including integrating workforce development training into clean energy programs and providing outreach grants to community organizations. It requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to create grant programs aimed at training individuals from overburdened communities for clean energy jobs and supporting entrepreneurial initiatives. Furthermore, the bill amends the Community Solar Energy Pilot Program to ensure access for low and moderate-income customers and establishes a pathway for converting the pilot program into a permanent initiative that aligns with land use provisions of the successor to the solar renewable energy certificate program. Overall, the legislation seeks to address the barriers faced by overburdened communities in accessing clean energy resources and benefits.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48:3-87.11