The proposed bill establishes the Department of Energy in New Jersey as a principal department within the Executive Branch, with a commissioner appointed by the Governor to oversee its operations. This new department will take over energy policy responsibilities from the Board of Public Utilities, including providing administrative support, developing energy efficiency programs, and coordinating efforts to meet state energy and greenhouse gas emission goals. Key provisions include the transfer of staff and programs from the Board of Public Utilities to the Department of Energy, as well as the introduction of an Energy Business Ombudsman to assist businesses with energy costs and access to state programs.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to enhance the infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) in New Jersey, including the establishment of a light-duty plug-in electric vehicle incentive program and requirements for developers to offer EV charging station installations in residential properties. It also mandates that electric vehicle service equipment remains operational at least 97% of the time to qualify for incentives. The bill includes various amendments and deletions to streamline energy governance, such as removing outdated provisions and clarifying the roles of the Department of Energy in energy planning and conservation efforts. Overall, the bill aims to improve the state's capacity to manage energy-related issues and promote sustainable practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2C-46, 26:2C-51, 26:2C-52, 48:2-92, 48:2-93, 48:2-94, 48:2-95, 48:2-96, 48:2-97, 48:2-98, 48:3-60, 48:25-2, 48:25-3, 48:25-4, 48:25-5, 48:25-6, 48:25-7, 48:25-8, 48:25-9, 48:25-11, 48:25-12, 52:18A-2.1, 52:27D-141.4, 52:27D-141.7, 52:27D-141.9, 52:27D-141.11, 52:27F-11, 52:27F-14, 52:27F-15, 52:27H-20.1