The proposed bill establishes the Office of Clean Energy Equity within the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to ensure equitable access to clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities. The office will focus on initiatives that provide energy cost savings and economic opportunities, with the BPU tasked to create onsite solar or community solar programs benefiting at least 250,000 low-income households by 2030. Additionally, the BPU is required to establish a minimum of 1,600 megawatt hours of energy storage for these communities and to reduce their average energy burden to below six percent of household income.

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 the Office of Clean Energy Equity. It also requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to create grant programs for community-based organizations to train at least 2,500 individuals from overburdened communities in solar energy by 2025. Furthermore, the Department of Community Affairs is directed to ensure that all new constructions in these communities are solar-ready and to prioritize clean energy projects involving minority or women-owned businesses. The bill amends the Community Solar Energy Pilot Program to enhance access for low and moderate-income customers and sets a timeline for transitioning to a permanent community solar program.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48:3-87.11