The proposed 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. The office will oversee the implementation of various initiatives, including onsite and community solar programs, with a goal of benefiting at least 250,000 low-income households by 2030. The BPU is mandated to allocate a minimum of 10% of its annual clean energy budget, or at least $50 million, to support the office's initiatives. Additionally, the bill emphasizes workforce development training in clean energy sectors and collaboration with state departments to enhance job training and entrepreneurial support for residents in these communities.

The bill also includes provisions for the Department of Community Affairs to ensure that all new constructions in overburdened communities are solar-ready and prioritizes clean energy projects involving minority or women-owned businesses. It amends the existing Community Solar Energy Pilot Program to enhance access for low and moderate-income customers in the permanent community solar program. Furthermore, the BPU is tasked with conducting a study on utility rate schedules for multi-family housing to ensure equitable financial benefits from community solar participation, with findings to be reported to the Governor and Legislature within 270 days of the bill's enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48:3-87.11