Proposed Office of Clean Energy Equity for Overburdened Communities
Official: S1757 — Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program.
Reading: Creates new Office of Clean Energy Equity within BPU and directs establishment of clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities, expanding clean energy policy.
The measure is currently under review in the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
In clear language
A proposed bill would create a new Office of Clean Energy Equity within New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities to develop solar, energy efficiency, and battery storage programs specifically for overburdened communities. The bill also proposes changes to how the state's community solar program operates. The measure is currently under review in the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
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?
- Residents of overburdened communities—neighborhoods that meet New Jersey's environmental justice criteria for pollution burden and vulnerability
- Households seeking solar installation, energy efficiency upgrades, or home battery storage systems in eligible areas
- Residents and businesses participating in or considering community solar programs across the state
What can you do?
- Check whether your neighborhood qualifies as 'overburdened' under New Jersey environmental justice rules (information available through the state's Environmental Justice Screening Tool)
- Contact your state senator to express support or concerns about the bill as it moves through the Budget and Appropriations Committee
- Learn about current solar and energy efficiency programs in your area that may expand if this bill passes
Timeline
- 2026-01-13: Bill introduced in the Senate
- 2026-05-18: Bill reported from Senate Committee with amendments and referred to Budget and Appropriations Committee
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
Related policies
- 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.
- NJ LegislatureMay 7, 2026Clean Energy Equity Program for Low-Income Communities
New Jersey is creating a new Office of Clean Energy Equity to make sure lower-income and historically disadvantaged communities get fair access to clean energy, energy efficiency upgrades, and energy storage technology. The state will establish specific programs to help these communities, and will also make changes to the community solar program so more people can benefit from solar power. This law aims to ensure that the benefits of clean energy aren't only available to wealthy neighborhoods.
- NJ LegislatureJun 4, 2026Changes to New Jersey's solar and renewable energy incentive programs
This bill modifies New Jersey's renewable energy incentive programs and requires electric utilities to process solar project interconnection applications more efficiently. The changes aim to streamline how solar projects connect to the power grid and adjust how renewable energy incentives work in the state. The bill is currently moving through the Senate.
- NJ LegislatureMar 16, 2026New Jersey Solar and Renewable Energy Incentive Updates
This bill updates New Jersey's programs that encourage people and businesses to use renewable energy, particularly solar power. It requires electric companies to connect solar projects to the power grid more efficiently. The bill was reviewed by a legislative committee and sent for further consideration in March 2026.