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 the bill's effective date. The review will consider various factors, including the alignment of income thresholds across programs, the use of alternate income thresholds like State median income, and the overall impact of any proposed increases. Additionally, the bill requires State agencies to solicit public comments or collaborate with 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 additional guidance is needed to adjust income thresholds in related programs for moderate-income customers. This is to ensure that low- and moderate-income customers can access only one energy efficiency assistance program and to potentially broaden access to moderate-income programs. The act will take effect immediately and will expire once the final income threshold increase is completed by a State agency.