The 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. This office will oversee the deployment 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 also 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. To support these efforts, the bill mandates that at least 10% of the BPU's annual clean energy budget, or a minimum of $50 million, be allocated to the Office of Clean Energy Equity.

Additionally, the bill outlines responsibilities for the BPU and the Office of Clean Energy Equity, including the integration of workforce development training into clean energy programs and providing outreach grants to community organizations. It requires that all new constructions in overburdened communities be solar-ready and emphasizes collaboration with other state departments to develop job training programs. The bill also amends the existing Community Solar Energy Pilot Program to enhance access for low and moderate-income customers, ensuring that solar energy projects are aligned with land use provisions of the future permanent program. Overall, the legislation aims to address energy equity and resilience in communities that have historically faced environmental and economic challenges.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48:3-87.11