Creating an Office of Clean Energy Equity to help overburdened communities access clean energy programs
Official: S 1757 — 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: The bill establishes a new office and directs creation of clean energy, efficiency, and storage programs specifically designed to expand access and equity in overburdened communities.
This aims to make sure the benefits of New Jersey's clean energy transition are shared fairly across all neighborhoods.
In clear language
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.
How does this affect you?
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Who does this affect?
- Low-income and overburdened communities that have historically borne a disproportionate share of pollution and energy costs
- Residents who want to switch to solar energy or improve home energy efficiency but lack access or resources
- Community solar participants who may see expanded opportunities under program changes
- The Board of Public Utilities, which will implement and oversee the new office
What can you do?
- Contact your state senator to express support for the bill as it moves through the legislature
- If you live in an overburdened community, watch for announcements about new clean energy and efficiency programs once the office is established
- Learn about community solar options in your area, which may expand under this bill
Timeline
- 2026-05-18: Referred to Senate 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 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 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.