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 target of benefiting at least 250,000 low-income households through onsite or community solar initiatives by 2030. The BPU is required to allocate a minimum of 10% of its annual clean energy budget, or at least $50 million, to support the office's efforts. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the integration of workforce development training into clean energy programs, aiming to train at least 2,500 individuals from these communities by 2025.

Moreover, the bill mandates that all new constructions in overburdened communities be solar-ready and prioritizes clean energy projects that include minority or women-owned businesses. It also amends the existing Community Solar Energy Pilot Program to ensure access for low and moderate-income customers and aligns with future land use provisions related to the Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) program. The BPU is tasked with conducting a study on utility rate schedules for multi-family housing and the financial benefits of community solar for these residents, further enhancing the focus on equitable clean energy access.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48:3-87.11