The New Jersey Energy Security and Affordability Act aims to enhance the state's energy infrastructure by establishing advanced nuclear reactor programs, distributed energy storage, and demand optimization initiatives under the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). The bill emphasizes the importance of advanced nuclear reactors for their reliability and capacity, while also promoting distributed energy resources to improve grid stability and reduce costs for consumers. To facilitate these initiatives, the BPU is mandated to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility of deploying advanced reactors and to issue a request for expressions of interest for constructing at least one advanced nuclear reactor with a minimum capacity of 1,100 megawatts.

Additionally, the bill introduces several new provisions, including the establishment of an Advanced Nuclear Energy Certificate program and a distributed capacity program for battery storage development. It requires electric public utilities to file implementation plans and sets minimum requirements for compliance and accountability. The legislation also includes a demand optimization program aimed at reducing peak demand by 500 megawatts by 2030. Notably, the bill amends existing laws to ensure that nuclear facility construction adheres to safety standards for radioactive waste disposal, thereby promoting public health and environmental protection. Overall, the act seeks to bolster energy reliability, resilience, and affordability for New Jersey residents.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:19-11, 48:3-60