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?
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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
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