This bill mandates the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a program aimed at promoting energy businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ community in New Jersey. The program will utilize various methods such as public information campaigns, marketing, and incentives to achieve its goals. Specifically, the bill sets target percentages for the procurement of energy from these diverse businesses, starting at 5% in the first energy year after the program's establishment and increasing to 25% by the fourth energy year and beyond.
To qualify for participation in the program, businesses must be certified by appropriate state or national organizations, registered to operate in New Jersey, and have filed a current Annual Report with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. The BPU will establish an application process and an annual enrollment period for interested businesses, and both the BPU and public utilities will maintain and publish a list of approved participants. Additionally, the BPU is tasked with tracking the program's progress towards its goals and providing regular updates on its website.