Clean Energy Equity Program for Low-Income Communities
Official: A4892 — 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: Establishes a new Office of Clean Energy Equity and directs creation of clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities, plus modifies the community solar program.
This law aims to ensure that the benefits of clean energy aren't only available to wealthy neighborhoods.
In clear language
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.
How does this affect you?
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Who does this affect?
- Residents in overburdened and low-income communities who struggle with high energy costs
- Households interested in solar energy but without suitable roofs or homes
- Communities that have historically borne a disproportionate share of pollution and environmental harm
- People unable to afford energy efficiency improvements like insulation or new HVAC systems
What can you do?
- Check if your neighborhood qualifies as overburdened and ask your local government about enrollment in new clean energy programs when they launch
- Inquire about community solar options through your utility company to potentially access solar benefits without installing panels on your own property
- Contact the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for information about energy efficiency rebates or assistance programs for your household
Timeline
- 2026-05-07: Bill introduced and referred to Assembly committee
2 people have 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.
- Verlina Reynolds-JacksonDNew Jersey
- Bill sponsoredIn progressPrime sponsor of A4892: 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
- Tennille McCoyDNew Jersey
- Bill sponsoredIn progressPrime sponsor of A4892: 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
Related policies
- 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.
- NJ LegislatureJan 13, 2026Proposed Office of Clean Energy Equity for Overburdened Communities
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.
- 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.