This bill aims to expand the New Jersey Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) by making incentives available to owners of commercial farms. It allows these farm owners to apply for and receive applicable incentives provided by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) through funding from the societal benefits charge. Additionally, the BPU, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, is tasked with establishing a program to assist commercial farms in conducting energy audits. These audits will assess energy use and identify conservation measures to enhance energy efficiency.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the BPU publish information on its website regarding the incentives and programs available to commercial farms, ensuring transparency and accessibility. Currently, commercial farms do not have specific incentives under the NJCEP, which primarily categorizes incentives for residential, commercial, industrial, local government, and multifamily sectors. By including commercial farms in the NJCEP, the bill seeks to improve their energy efficiency and promote sustainable practices within the agricultural sector.