This bill mandates a review of income thresholds for residential customers participating in utility bill payment assistance and energy efficiency programs by the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Human Services, Board of Public Utilities, and other relevant State agencies within one year of its effective date. The agencies are required to consider various factors, including the alignment of income thresholds across programs, the use of alternate income thresholds, and the overall impact of any proposed increases. Additionally, the bill stipulates that State agencies must seek public comment or assistance from other agencies to determine appropriate adjustments to the income thresholds.

Furthermore, if an increase in income thresholds for low-income energy efficiency programs is implemented, the Board of Public Utilities must evaluate whether further guidance is needed to adjust income thresholds in related moderate-income energy efficiency programs. This is to ensure that low- and moderate-income customers are eligible for only one energy efficiency assistance program and to potentially broaden access to moderate-income programs. The act is set to take effect immediately and will expire once the final income threshold increase is completed by a State agency.