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 target of benefiting at least 250,000 low-income households through onsite or community solar initiatives by 2030. Additionally, the BPU is required to ensure the establishment of a minimum of 1,600 megawatt hours of energy storage in these communities by the same year and allocate at least 10% of its annual clean energy budget, or a minimum of $50 million, to support the office's initiatives.

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 directs the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to create grant programs for training in solar and clean energy sectors, ensuring these programs are regularly updated to meet job market demands. Furthermore, the legislation includes provisions for making new constructions in overburdened communities "solar ready," prioritizes clean energy projects involving minority or women-owned businesses, and amends the Community Solar Energy Pilot Program to ensure access for low and moderate-income customers while establishing a timeline for a permanent community solar program.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48:3-87.11