Bringing Solar Microgrids Into the Community Solar Program and Protecting Them as Important Infrastructure
Official: S651 — Requires BPU to designate solar portion of critical renewable microgrid as solar energy project under Community Solar Energy Program; requires Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to designate certain microgrids as assets of importance.
Reading: The bill requires the BPU to designate solar portions of critical renewable microgrids under the Community Solar Energy Program, expanding the scope and application of existing solar policy.
The bill is currently in the early stages—it was introduced in January 2026 and referred to the Senate Environment and Energy Committee for review.
In clear language
This proposed bill (S651) would require New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities to designate the solar portion of critical renewable microgrids as projects eligible for the Community Solar Energy Program. It would also require the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to officially recognize certain microgrids as assets of importance. The bill is currently in the early stages—it was introduced in January 2026 and referred to the Senate Environment and Energy Committee for review.
How does this affect you?
Pick the type of resident or organization you most identify with — we'll generate a plain-language breakdown of what changes for you and what you can do about it.
Who does this affect?
- Communities with critical renewable microgrids that could participate in the Community Solar Energy Program
- The Board of Public Utilities, which would need to implement the designation process
- The Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, which would need to identify and designate qualifying microgrids
- Residents who could potentially access solar energy through designated community solar projects
What can you do?
- Contact your state senator or representative to learn about or express support for S651 as it moves through the legislative process
- Ask your local government whether your community has or is planning critical renewable microgrids that could benefit from this program
Timeline
- January 13, 2026: Bill introduced in Senate and referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
One person has acted on this policy
Verified promises, sponsorships, votes, or other actions where the politician's record references this policy. Each entry links to that person's accountability page.
- Bob SmithDNew Jersey
- Bill sponsoredIn progressPrime sponsor of S651: Requires BPU to designate solar portion of critical renewable microgrid as solar energy project under Community Solar Energy Program; requires Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to designate
Related policies
- NJ LegislatureSep 9, 2026Changes to New Jersey's Solar and Renewable Energy Incentive Programs
This law modifies how New Jersey's renewable energy incentive programs work and requires electric utilities to process applications for certain solar projects more fairly. The changes aim to streamline how people and businesses can get solar systems connected to the power grid. This law took effect in September 2026.
- NJ LegislatureJun 30, 2026Changes to New Jersey's solar and renewable energy incentive programs and utility rules
This bill modifies New Jersey's renewable energy incentive programs and requires electric utilities to process solar interconnection applications more fairly for certain projects. The bill was replaced by another version (S3183) in June 2026, so this version is no longer active.
- NJ LegislatureMay 18, 2026Creating an Office of Clean Energy Equity to help overburdened communities access clean energy programs
New Jersey is establishing a new Office of Clean Energy Equity within the Board of Public Utilities to ensure overburdened and low-income communities can access clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs. The bill also makes changes to the community solar program to expand access. This aims to make sure the benefits of New Jersey's clean energy transition are shared fairly across all neighborhoods.
- NJ LegislatureMay 7, 2026Creating Clean Energy Programs for Neighborhoods That Need Them Most
This bill creates a new Office of Clean Energy Equity within New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities to help communities that have been left behind in the clean energy transition. It directs the state to establish clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs specifically designed for overburdened communities, and makes changes to how community solar programs work. The goal is to ensure that the benefits of clean energy—like lower energy bills and cleaner air—reach the neighborhoods that need them most.